The Irish Refuse to Lose

Let's take a missed field goal along with a missed extra point. There were also two interceptions that were easy catches by Pittsburgh. Then there was a fumble in the endzone by Cierre Wood. Those were just a few of the mistakes Notre Dame made against Pittsburgh. The defense also played it's worst game of the year by giving up 26 points. So how can you explain a Notre Dame victory with all those factors?

Pittsburgh kicker Kevin Harper was perfect all day until he missed a kick following the Wood fumble. It is Notre Dame's year. That is the only explanation that makes any sense. The Irish did everything to lose this game. Not only the players were doing off stuff, but Coach Kelly too.

I know Tommy Rees has done an outstanding job all year, but Kelly needs to show the confidence in Golson  enough to stay with him. The young man responded after being benched. He came back in with the team trailing 20-6 (largest deficit of the year). He threw a touchdown to TJ Jones. Then the defense became fired up and played like the defense has all year.

That was only to see Golson throw a bad interception in the endzone with just minutes left. It appeared as though the undefeated season was done. However, the defense held them three and out. Golson responded with the team trailing by eight with a three play drive that was all improvisation. He found Theo Riddick in the endzone and took the two point conversion in himself.

Then Golson scored the winning touchdown in the third overtime.

As ugly as this game was, it did show a lot about what this team was made of. Notre Dame just flat out refused to lose. Pittsburgh did everything to win and they should have. However, the Irish showed what champions are made of.

It was also good to see that Notre Dame can count on more than just their defense. Golson threw for 227 yards and two touchdowns. He added 74 more on the ground with the game winning touchdown. Riddick gained 85 yards and Wood added 70. Jones, along with DaVarius Daniels, Tyler Eifert, Robby Toma all had nice days receiving the ball.

In a way, this is kind of a game Notre Dame needed. That is at least for the offense.