Irish Going For The Title

Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - The top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish will play for their first national championship since 1988, thanks to a 22-13 victory over the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Kyle Brindza made five field goals to help the Irish secure a spot in the BCS National Championship Game, which will be played on Jan. 7, 2013 at Sun Life Stadium.

Thanks to losses by both Oregon and Kansas State last week, coupled with Notre Dame's shutout of Wake Forest, Brian Kelly's Irish moved to the head of the top-25 poll, as well as the BCS rankings.

With Saturday's victory, Notre Dame improved to 12-0 for the first time since 1988. Lou Holtz guided the '88 team to a national championship.