Jeff Hein of Naperville poses for a portrait in his Naperville home holding his football helmet from his days playing defensive end for Notre Dame, which included the 1973 National Championship season, on Friday, January 4, 2013. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media

Greg Szatko of Naperville, who was part of the 1973 Notre Dame national championship team, poses for a photo in front of memorabilia in his home on Friday, January 4, 2013. Szatko will be heading to Florida to watch his beloved Irish take on Alabama for the national championship. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media

Tom Maschmeier of Lisle, who played on the 1973 Notre Dame national championship football team, poses for a portrait in his Lisle home on Friday, January 4, 2013. Mashmeier will be heading to Florida to watch the Irish take on Alabama once again for the national crown. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media

Greg Szatko (lef) and Jeff Hein (middle), both of Naperville, and Duke Scales, now of Florida, enjoy a moment during a recent Notre Dame game. The trio played for the 1973 Irish title team. | Submitted

Jeff Hein of Naperville and his family visit the locker room at Notre Dame Stadium. | Submitted

Jeff Hein of Naperville played on Notre Dam's 1973 title team. | Submitted

Greg Szatko played on Notre Daame's 1973 championship team. | Submitted

This clipping from the Notre Dame yearbook in 1974 discusses the big bowl game against Alabama. | Submitted

This clipping from the Notre Dame yearbook in 1974 discusses the big bowl game against Alabama. | Submitted

A variety of tickets stubs from big Notre Dame-Alabama games in the past. | Submitted

Notre Dame championship rings | Submitted

Tom Maschmeier's national championship ring he earned on Notre Dame's 1973 national championship ring, which the Irish won 24-23 over Alabama. | Jeff Cagle~For Sun-Times Media

This clipping from the Notre Dame yearbook in 1974 discusses the big bowl game against Alabama. | Submitted

This clipping from the Notre Dame yearbook in 1974 discusses the big bowl game against Alabama. | Submitted

FILE - In this Dec. 31, 1973, file photo, Notre Dame kicker Bob Thomas (98) boots the game-winning field goal to defeat Alabama 24-23 in the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game in New Orleans. Holding is Notre Dame's Brian Doherty. Alabama (11-1) finished the regular season undefeated and was declared the national champion in the coaches poll, where the Irish were ranked No. 4. Notre Dame (11-0) then beats Bear Bryant's Crimson Tide in the Sugar Bowl. The AP named Notre Dame national champion. (AP Photo/JH, File)