Leading Off

IN SOUTH BEND winning isn't everything, nor has it been the only thing. But it sure seems to be the thing. Notre Dame's .7435 winning percentage is second only to Michigan among Division I programs. Its seven Heisman Trophies are the most of any school--as are its eight AP titles. All told, the Irish have 11 times been named consensus national champs.

1924 THE IRISH RODE THE FOUR HORSEMEN TO THEIR FIRST TITLE.

1929 A 9-0 SEASON EARNED ROCKNE A SECOND RING.

1930 THE IRISH GOT A NEW STADIUM--AND A THIRD TITLE.

1943 NOTRE DAME LOST BERTELLI BUT WON A FOURTH RING.

1946 AN 8-0-1 CAMPAIGN BROUGHT LUJACK SOME BLING.

1947 A 9-0 SEASON UNDER LEAHY GAVE THE IRISH NUMBER 6.

1949 ANOTHER PERFECT SEASON BROUGHT LEAHY A FOURTH RING.

1966 THE ARA ERA DAWNED WITH AN EIGHTH TITLE.

1973 ONE POINT (OVER THE TIDE) MADE NOTRE DAME NO. 1.