Photos: Top national sports stories of 2012
Classic programs to square off for BCS crown
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish finally returned to the top of college football, finishing the season No. 1 in the polls with a 12-0 record. They learned on Dec. 2 they would face defending national champion Alabama for the title. The Crimson Tide survived a wild SEC Championship Game against Georgia that came down to the final play.
Other Slideshows
Photos: Cars dumped into water when bridge collapses
New photos from ground zero of Moore tornado
Frank Davis in the fight of his life
Photos: Forbes' list of most powerful women 
Photos: Crowds rock out on beach at Hangout Fest
Oklahoma tornado leaves dozens dead, including many children
