Five most heartbreaking games of the Brian Kelly era

2015 – Notre Dame at Clemson

This game had very similar build up to the ND-Florida State game the year before, and had just as thrilling finish. Outside of the first quarter, the Irish outplayed the Tigers. Notre Dame outgained the Tigers by almost 140 yards. Quarterback DeShone Kizer threw for 321 yards, while Heisman finalist Deshaun Watson threw for just 84. Really the only thing that prevented Notre Dame from winning this game was turnovers. The Irish turned it over four times, including three fumbles.

Clemson stormed off to a 14-3 lead in the first half and extended it to 21-3 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter the Irish stormed all the way back, by scoring 19 points. The Irish were able to hold the Tigers, which gave Kizer and the Irish offense one more chance with 1:13 remaining. Kizer converted a huge 3rd and 16 to Amir Carlisle to keep the drive alive. The next play he hit C.J. Prosise that got Notre Dame inside the two yard line. Then he hit Torii Hunter Jr for the touchdown with seven seconds left, but the Irish still trailed by two. They needed to two-point conversion to force overtime.

On the two point conversion Kizer would be stopped short of the goal line on a quarterback keeper, and the Irish fell 24-22.

Clemson would go on to reach the National Championship game. This game really jumpstarted their season. For Notre Dame, it was just another game of almost in the Kelly era.

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