By Darin 
What happens when the two best teams in the nation clash in a legendary venue, delivering a game for the ages, and setting the stage for a new tradition in college football media? You get the unforgettable showdown of November 13, 1993—the day the No. 1 Florida State Seminoles traveled to South Bend to face the No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Not only was this game a classic that determined a national championship contender, but it marked a massive cultural shift: it was the first time ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasted its show live from a college campus, forever changing how fans consumed college football.
Dubbed the “Game of the Century” by many, the hype leading up to the contest was unprecedented. Both teams entered the monumental matchup undefeated and boasting star-studded rosters. The Bobby Bowden-led Seminoles, featuring Heisman-favorite quarterback Charlie Ward, were the top-ranked team, while Lou Holtz’s Irish, playing at the historic Notre Dame Stadium, were eager to reclaim national prominence.
From the opening whistle, the game delivered drama. The No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish came out with ferocious intensity, establishing a physical dominance that stunned the top-ranked Seminoles. By the third quarter, the Irish had built a commanding 24-7 lead, largely on the strength of their running game and aggressive defense. The deafening South Bend crowd sensed an upset was imminent.
However, great teams don’t quit. Led by the poise and talent of quarterback Charlie Ward, the Florida State Seminoles mounted a furious, championship-caliber comeback. Ward began surgically picking apart the Irish defense, guiding FSU back into the game with two quick touchdowns. The score narrowed to a tense 31-24 in the fourth quarter, setting up one of the most memorable final minutes in college football history.
With time winding down, Ward drove the Seminoles down the field one final time, reaching the Notre Dame five-yard line with seconds left. On the very last play of the game, Ward rolled out and fired a pass into the end zone, aiming for a game-tying touchdown that would preserve FSU’s undefeated season. In a moment of sheer defensive heroics, Notre Dame defensive back Shawn Wooden knocked the pass away, preserving the 31-24 victory for the Fighting Irish. The win vaulted Notre Dame to the No. 1 ranking, though a controversial loss the following week ultimately cost them the national title.
The true lasting legacy of the November 13, 1993, contest, however, is the catalyst it provided for the College GameDay tradition. Choosing this historic site for their first campus broadcast laid the blueprint for the vibrant, fan-centric, traveling road show that has become an inseparable part of the college football experience every Saturday. This game was not just a battle for No. 1; it was the moment the sport’s media landscape changed forever.
ND’s Becton runs wild against FSU 1993 14 Nov 1993, Sun News-Press (Fort Myers, Florida) Newspapers.com
Verified Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- First game in which ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasted live from a college campus.
- Featured No. 1 Florida State vs. No. 2 Notre Dame (both undefeated).
- Determined a key contender for the 1993 National Championship.
- Final score: Notre Dame 31, Florida State 24.
- Dramatic final play featured Notre Dame DB Shawn Wooden knocking down a pass from Heisman QB Charlie Ward in the end zone.