<P> In a game where the lead changed six times , Notre Dame won by a single point , 24 -- 23 , to claim the AP national championship . During the 20th century , the NCAA had no playoff for major college football teams that would become Division I-A in 1978 . The NCAA Football Guide , however , did note an `` unofficial national champion '' based on the top ranked teams in the `` wire service '' ( AP and UPI ) polls . The `` writers ' poll '' by Associated Press ( AP ) was the most popular , followed by the `` coaches ' poll '' by United Press International ) ( UPI ) . In 1973 , the UPI issued its final poll before the bowls , but the AP Trophy was withheld until the postseason was completed . The AP poll in 1973 consisted of the votes of as many as 63 sportswriters and broadcasters , though not all of them voted in every poll . UPI 's voting was made by 34 coaches . Those who cast votes would give their opinion of the ten best teams . Under a point system of 20 points for first place , 19 for second , etc. , the `` overall '' ranking was determined . </P>
<P> In a game where the lead changed six times , Notre Dame won by a single point , 24 -- 23 , to claim the AP national championship . During the 20th century , the NCAA had no playoff for major college football teams that would become Division I-A in 1978 . The NCAA Football Guide , however , did note an `` unofficial national champion '' based on the top ranked teams in the `` wire service '' ( AP and UPI ) polls . The `` writers ' poll '' by Associated Press ( AP ) was the most popular , followed by the `` coaches ' poll '' by United Press International ) ( UPI ) . In 1973 , the UPI issued its final poll before the bowls , but the AP Trophy was withheld until the postseason was completed . The AP poll in 1973 consisted of the votes of as many as 63 sportswriters and broadcasters , though not all of them voted in every poll . UPI 's voting was made by 34 coaches . Those who cast votes would give their opinion of the ten best teams . Under a point system of 20 points for first place , 19 for second , etc. , the `` overall '' ranking was determined . </P>
who won the 1973 college football national championship
who won the 1973 college football national championship
Notre Dame
Notre Dame