It was a heartbreaking loss for folks watching here at O'Rourkes. They remained optimistic throughout most of the game even as Alabama scored touchdown after touchdown. But with a 42-14 loss, saying the Irish fans are disappointed is an understatement. Nate Sapen said, "sad, depressed." Vince Barletto said, "I'm pretty bummed out. I think South Bend is bummed out."
Their emotions played out through the whole game. Starting with the difficult first half when the Irish went scoreless. Kyle Laughlin said, "I was thinking it's not a myth, the SEC has one seven straight titles." Ryan Humphrey said, "our defense never lets that happen so to let that much go in the first half was a big let down."
Fans stayed hopeful for the second half. "I said it's all good we can still win," said Sapen.
But reality eventually sunk in. "the last half of the fourth quarter," said Sapen. And Laughlin said, "it was difficult to be a fan it was difficult to root from your heart."
Fans said they never expected the game to go the way it did. "I thought Notre Dame had a better shot, I really did," said Laughlin. But they admit another thing they never expected was Notre Dame to even be in the BCS Championship game this season. So despite the loss fans are proud of the Irish. "You can't beat how the season went. We had a great time going through it. They did awesome going into here," said Humphrey. And Casey Booth said, "I'm pretty happy with what they accomplished during the season so can't be too mad."
And fans said they are optimistic about next season. They say the Irish can get Bama then.
