SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) - Even before Notre Dame cemented its trip to the national championship game with a win over previously undefeated UConn Friday night, Irish fans kept the faith.
Brothers Bar and Grill was not as packed as one would typically see for an away football game, but those in attendance were hopeful, and prideful. And many of the people who were at Brothers said it would have been much more heavily attended if not for many students going home for Easter vacation.
Most of the TVs had the game on, and the people who came to see the game were glad to be in good company to see a win against UConn.
"Usually, when there's a big game, we come out to Brothers and have a few beers and cheer on the Irish," graduate business student Charlie Coghlin said.
They were into the game, but when the outcome was still in doubt, the fans had their fears.
"It definitely makes me nervous, because UConn's really good," Coghlin said. "But I think Muffett's the best coach in the country, and you can quote me on that."
Coghlin's optimism was rewarded with an overtime victory, sending Notre Dame to the national championship game against Mississippi State Sunday.