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Five most heartbreaking games of the Brian Kelly era

By Bobby Norell

Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer (14) scores a touchdown during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Tigers won 24-22. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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2014 – Notre Dame at Florida State

Florida State came into this game with a perfect undefeated record, winners of their last 22 and as the reigning National Champions. They also had the reigning Heisman Trophy winner under center in Jameis Winston.

The Irish also came into the game with a perfect record. Everett Golson was playing some of the best ball of his Irish career and was even getting some Heisman talk himself. This had all the makings of an all-time classic, and well it didn’t disappoint.

For the most part, the Irish outplayed the Seminoles for much of the game. ND out gained Florida State by nearly 150 yards. Golson outplayed Winston as well. If one was just to merely take a look at the stat sheet they’d probably figure Notre Dame won by a touchdown or so, but thats not how it played out.

The Irish held a 27-24 lead in the fourth quarter when Winston marched the ‘Noles down the field for a touchdown drive that was capped off by a one-yard run by Karlos Williams. With four minutes left there was still plenty of time for Golson and the Irish to have a scoring drive of their out.

Golson marched the Irish right down the field. He made a huge throw on a 4th and 18 to keep the drive alive. The Irish would get the ball right inside of the Florida State 10 yard line. The ‘Noles stopped the Irish on the first three downs, which set up another huge fourth down. Golson hit Corey Robinson on fourth and goal for the touchdown with 13 seconds left, but it was flagged for offensive pass interference. It was ruled that Notre Dame ran a pick play and the flag was on called on Will Fuller, but he wasn’t even close to doing what he was flagged for. If they would have thrown the flag on C.J. Prosise I would have understood, but they didn’t.

Also Notre Dame ran almost the exact same play earlier in the game and wasn’t called for anything then. To me, its about consistency. If you’re not going to call that penalty earlier in the game, don’t call it on the deciding play of the game.

The Irish would have one last chance the next play, but Golson was picked off in the endzone.

Next: Thriller in Death Valley

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