1972 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team

The 1972 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team was an American football team that represented the University of Notre Dame as an independent during the 1972 NCAA University Division football season. In their ninth year under head coach Ara Parseghian, the Irish compiled an 8–3 record, outscored opponents by a total of 283 to 152, and were ranked No. 14 in the final AP poll and No. 12 in the final UPI poll. In two games against ranked opponents, they lost to No. 1 USC and No. 9 Nebraska in the Orange Bowl. Defensive tackle Greg Marx was a consensus first-team pick on the 1972 All-America college football team. The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Tom Clements (1,163 passing yards), Eric Penick (727 rushing yards), Willie Townsend (25 receptions for 369 yards), and Andy Huff (60 points scored). The team played its home games at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. == Schedule == == Game summaries == === Northwestern === === Purdue === === Michigan State === === Pittsburgh === === Missouri === === TCU === === Navy === === Air Force === === Miami (FL) === === USC === === Orange Bowl vs. Nebraska === == Roster == == References ==