4th-ranked Notre Dame had to face #1 Colorado (11-0) in the Orange Bowl. For Tony Rice and Co., it was their opportunity for redemption following their late season loss to Miami, and the Irish took full advantage of it. QB Darian Hagan and Colorado started off with success offensively but experienced breakdowns inside and near the redzone. The Buffaloes missed a chip shot field goal, lost a fumble, and were stopped at the one-yard line off a successful goal line stand by Stan Smagala and the rest of the Irish defense. This led to a 0-0 score at halftime.