Craziness in Carolina: Irish lose in wild ending Save Email Print
Posted: 6:55 PM Oct 11, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:10 PM Oct 11, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
53 comments
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Michael Floyd caught a pass with five seconds left in the game but officials ruled he fumbled the ball before reaching the ground and North Carolina defeated Notre Dame 29-24 in a wild game in Chapel Hill.

Had Floyd been ruled down on the play, 3-4 seconds would have been put on the clock as the chains would have been reset for a first down.

The Irish then would have had an opportunity for one last play to win the game.

But after a five minute review, replay officials said the ball came loose and Carolina was given possession.

The loss is a heartbreaking one for the Irish, who drop to 4-2 on the season---both losses have been on the road.

Notre Dame opened up a 17-6 lead in the 1st half on Jimmy Clausen touchdown passes to Golden Tate and Floyd.

Brandon Walker also kicked a 42 yard field goal in the 2nd quarter for the Irish. Walker entered the day just 1 of 7 on field goals this season.

Carolina kicked its third field goal of the 1st half in the final minute of the 2nd quarter to pull within 8 at the break.

On the 1st play of the 2nd half, Clausen had his pass intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Quan Sturdivant. That made it 17-16 Irish.

Later in the 3rd, a roughing the punter penalty gave Notre Dame new life with an automatic 1st down. The Irish took advantage as James Aldridge scored on a 2-yard run to put ND back up by 8.

With just over five minutes left in the 3rd, Carolina pulled within two on a Ryan Houston TD run. The Tar Heels two point conversion attempt to the tie game failed.

North Carolina took the lead for the first time in the game on the 1st play of the 4th quarter when Cameron Sexton rushed it in from four yards out to make it 29-24 Tar Heels.

On the ensuing drive, Charlie Weis elected to go for it on 4th and 7 from Carolina's 27 instead of allowing Walker to attempt another field goal. Had Walker been successful, the Irish would have been within two and could have attempted a field goal on the final drive to win the game.

Instead, the Irish failed to convert on the 4th down play.

After UNC went three and out, the Irish had a successful drive down field that ended with a Clausen interception at the Tar Heel 15.

Clausen was 31 of 48 for 384 yards passing, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Notre Dame had five turnovers in the game.

Despite the costly plays, the Irish still had a chance with 1:47 left in the game to win it.

Clausen was poised in the pocket and on the first play from scrimmage completed a pass 30 yards to Tate.

He then completed another 12 yard pass to Tate to the Carolina 30. Tate had 5 catches for 121 yards a touchdown.

That's when the Irish looked down field to Floyd and Clausen completed a pass to him with 8 seconds left.

Floyd was mobbed by a number of Carolina players and appeared to have the ball stripped as he was going to the ground. Floyd then pulled the ball back in before deciding to throw the ball up in the air.

The chaos centered around whether Floyd was down before he threw the ball out or if the ball was out even before he decided to throw it up.

The Irish are on the bye next week before heading to Washington in two weeks.

North Carolina improves to 5-1 with the win.
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Posted by: Steve on Oct 15, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Yeah, if I had only gotten that extra 10 seconds on my SAT's I would have gotten into Harvard. Notre Dame surely would have won too. Move on look ahead, I am going to be upset if Charlie doesn't win the next one and he spent time reviewing the play 50 times instead of planning ahead. Same problem with the country we point fingers and don't move on.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Oct 14, 2008 at 04:15 PM
I don't think the Irish deserve to be ranked, good for Ball State. Changing in to a Mrs. Brady Quinn shirt still makes you a bit weird. And then we have the anonomyi who says "ha, my team is M. State so I can gloat, ha, ha!" Right, and if ND had beaten the Spartans your team would be North Carolina, what a clown. And if the Irish got offered a bowl game and said "we don't deserve it, give it to a team that does" you would probably make some dumb comment about that too. For the record, I know that would NEVER happen to much moolah!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 01:49 PM
I hope to everything that ND goes to a bowl game. Pure comedy every year. Never fails. Couldn't do it with the Brady team, what in the world makes any of you domers think that THIS pathetic team will do it? HA
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Hey Rabid, what is Ball State's rank now? What is ND's? Pathetic. Funny. But pathetic.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Oct 14, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Anon, you are the only one spewing nonsense that they deserve to be in a bowl game at 4-2- that doesn't even make sense! You sound like an idiot when you say stuff like that. Only haters are making comments about bowls now. When we are 8-4 I will see you at the bowl game!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:43 AM
clausensfuturewife, my team is Michigan State so i can make as much fun of ND as i want :) have a good day!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Oct 14, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Not near as creepy as the Mrs. Timberlake shirt you wear, kiss kiss sweetie.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 14, 2008 at 07:19 AM
clausensfuturewife???? creepy
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 13, 2008 at 04:55 PM
They deserve to be in a Bowl Game they are 4 and 2, don't forget they are Notre DAME!
Posted by: ClausensFutureWife Location: South Bend on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:50 PM
and PS ND HATERS...go elsewhere, just because you team sucks dont hate on ours....
Posted by: ClausensFutureWife Location: South Bend on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:48 PM
I dont know much about football but i know that last play call was bullshit....i thought after you ran a play you weren't allowed to review the previous one??? maybe im wrong. but hey im pissed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:36 PM
The glory days are soon to arrive but it will take time and will not happen overnight and perhaps with a different coaching staff.
Posted by: Mark on Oct 13, 2008 at 02:14 PM
Good God, WNDU. UND lost on Saturday evening. It's now midafternoon Monday. How much longer will this story be a "top headline?"
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 13, 2008 at 01:44 PM
I think someone needs to put away the voodoo doll and let the Irish Win agaiN!
Posted by: Tracy Location: granger on Oct 13, 2008 at 11:42 AM
first of all - I would have to say it is about 50/50 of haters and lovers of ND - i for one hate them...and NO - I don't have a team I like - i really don't get into college football. It seems to always be the fault of the coach - you guys are always looking to fire someone if they lose (he is a jerk anyway) but still - the players have something to do with it. And why do we have to hear about ND on the front of the paper, the sports section and every where else - win or lose - a little over kill on ND!!!
Posted by: chris Location: elkhart on Oct 13, 2008 at 10:08 AM
People,people,people you can't make chicken salad out of chicken s---. And let's face it Chuck(charlie) is pure chicken s---. The reason ND can't make field goal lies solely on the coaches. They have 2 kickers that came in as top recruits. Neither one can kick in college. Either the coaches are not teaching proper technique, or the can't judge kicking talent. Mr. Arrogance (Chuck Weis) needs to go!!!!
Posted by: Honest on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:54 AM
THEY LOST...get over it.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 13, 2008 at 09:22 AM
RETURN TO GLORY!......or not
Posted by: M Location: V on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:42 AM
I agree with Jim. Seriously.
Posted by: Anon Location: ND on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:29 AM
Turnovers cost this team the game. Nothing we can do now, Irish, but gear up for Washington. We're still on track for an 8 win season. Don't hang your heads- your two losses are to teams that are now ranked. You could be in Michigan's shoes. NOT hating on them, I am just saying- this could be a repeat of last year but it's not.
Posted by: Greg Location: Palm Harbor, Florida on Oct 13, 2008 at 07:19 AM
Tough loss. Five turnovers and still had a chance to win! Couldn't have said that last year, and against a #22 team. You go Irish!!! Make me proud of you down here in Florida!!!
Posted by: Patrick Location: South Bend on Oct 13, 2008 at 05:48 AM
Charlie is doing a good job turning this team around. It was a tough loss, but its good to keep in mind it was a tough game that was lost by turnovers. Plus keep this in mind - 18 of the last 21 points where made by underclassmen. The future is looking bright again at ND
Posted by: sad on Oct 13, 2008 at 05:08 AM
The glory days are long gone and it's not just the coach or players. That university is not managed by the same people when Ara and Lou or Knute were there. It has now walked away from God and Scripture. Say goodbye to another once great spiritual institution and it's once great football team. Another one bites the dust, but the word of God goes unchallenged forever.
Posted by: Jim on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I blame the excise police. Clearly their presence is far reaching. They're the reason ND can't beat marginal teams.
Posted by: Greg on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Let's face it...the problem here is Charlie. He came in here with an arrogant attitude and it didn't work. It has backfired and there is no repair. He is not the right man for the job. You can't make something better just by wishing...
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:27 PM
To all you blockheads who thought the last play was the game....I believe it was the four turnovers in the 2nd half. A perfect pass to the opponent the first play of the 2nd half resulted in a TD. Another fumble be Clausen in NC's red zone resulting in another score. If bobblehead would have went for a field goal try and made it then the Irish would have been in striking range at the end of the game to kick the winning field goal and win by 1 point. Oh yes, Bobblehead is the same coach I called an idiot when he won last week. He still calls the plays in crucial downs and he still insist there is no need of a field goal kicker. How many first class QB's are on this team waiting for their turn, while the field goal team and kicker SUCKS! Recruit a field goal kicker, try the girls soccer team, the boys soccer team. Charlie, PUT THE DONUTS, Down!!!! find a field goal kicker. Quit calling the plays after you get ahead of the opponent. Your play calling SUCKS!!
Posted by: Charlies Angel Location: Elkhart on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Hang in there Irish! You are improving and soon will show all these haters what you can really do.
Posted by: Joe Location: Dowagiac on Oct 12, 2008 at 06:09 PM
The video clearly shows that Floyd was NOT down at the time he got rid of the ball. He was laying on the chest of a N.C player. RULE 4, Section 1, Article 3, subsection b is very clear. A part of Floyd's body, except for hands or feet, must be touching the GROUND for him to be ruled "down". We lost! 5 turn-overs? In other words; hey North Carolina, please accept these 14 points as a gift from our team to yours.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Pat..are you kidding me...why would they broadcast one team that isn't even ranked (ND) who plays a team that is barely ranked instead of showing a far more demanded game? Not everybody out of this three county area thinks ND is all that.
Posted by: Mitch Location: Mishawaka on Oct 12, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Tom...how exactly did they get hosed? I do recall the five turn overs and the playback on the final play was VERY clear on what happened. The sports casters were wondering what was taking so long because it was so obvious. The Irish simply fell a part in the second half. North Carolina is the one who got hosed with the bad review earlier in the game. Irish are certainly doing better, I will say that. But don't be delusional to the facts.
Posted by: Pat Location: Middleofnowherebury on Oct 12, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Thanks to NBC/ESPN for NOT showing this game nationally...Instead, I go out of town and have to endure perennially over-rated Ohio State. Ugh! And for the Irish unfaithful, go somewhere else. There's a reason you're called "trolls" on the internet.
Posted by: Ike Location: South Bend on Oct 12, 2008 at 03:54 PM
I agree with you Rabid Irish Fan....When ND does good the haters say nothing but as soon as they lose watch out...Really there are more ND lovers than haters from all over...Notice the haters don't say who their team is...Probably Mi....We love you ND and keep up the good work.....Go ND....
Posted by: Junkyard Dog on Oct 12, 2008 at 03:53 PM
This loss proves to me one thing, ND is not a top 25 team. I believe ND has paid that coach 12 million bucks so for to be a top 10 team. I would think ND is not getting their money's worth.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Oct 12, 2008 at 01:12 PM
Figures, the boards are quiet for WEEKS and then after a loss to the #22 team in the nation, here come the haters. Probably the same ones who thought the Irish would be 1-5, a lot of haterade out there.
Posted by: ndfan Location: rochester on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:26 PM
It should't of came to one play win or lose.Play four quarters of football.turn overs a big big factor the way they were going for awhile I thought it was going to be somewhat of a blow out.They needed to lose this game to get them better of holding the ball and not letting your guard down(defense?).It was an awesome game we all knew it was going to be close.Give some credit to NC for hanging in there even though I would of loved to see the Irish pull it out.The Irish will learn off of this and come out even stronger and hungrier this season and the future,after all they are definetly improvin to be one of the elite once again.I love it.GOOD JOB IRISH and GOOD LUCK
Posted by: tom Location: granger on Oct 12, 2008 at 11:41 AM
irish got hosed
Posted by: M Location: sb on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:48 AM
I give the Irish creditthey hung in there to the end. Yes there were mistakes made but they are looking better. If Charlie had gone for the field goals and the kid missed then we would be blaming the kid. As is Charlie went for it and we will live through this too!
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 12, 2008 at 10:28 AM
THrew that one away, didn't you Jimmy? Nice interceptions. You seem so afraid to get hit, that you panic and throw the ball away. Unfortunately, to the wrong team!! Thank God this is a bye week now. Maybe ROn Paulus can get your head screwed on right!!!
Posted by: T Location: SB on Oct 12, 2008 at 09:03 AM
They let this one slip away. I;m not sure relying so much on the passing game against a team that leads the NCAA in INTs was the best strategy. It worked for the most part, but it gave NC too many chances to make plays. Jimmy has got to work on not telagraphing so much. NC earned this win, they played a complete game, ND didnt. That last few minutes were ridiculous. The NC reciever caught that ball, the play shouldnt have been called like it was. The final play was pretty clear too. I'm guessing the officials wanted to make sure what time was left on the clock, thats why it took so long to review the Floyd catch and fumble/attempt at a lateral. ND is getting better every week, this game is nothing to get too discouraged about. Great they are not, but pretty good they are getting. I cant wait for the years to come to see how the young guys on the team get better and better. They show alot of promise for the future. GO IRISH!!!
Posted by: Jeff Location: S.B. on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I wish the team could regain greatness. But due to lack of vision concerning coaching and the fact that these kids have to graduate, I doubt we'll ever see a 'dynasty' again. N.D. is a great school. The entire campus & school is top notch, 2nd to none. It's just that we want to win. And can we judge the football team as to whether or not N.D. is a winner? I think not. GO N.D.
Posted by: Rob Location: so. in. on Oct 12, 2008 at 08:36 AM
I think Mr. Pickles is doing a fantastic job feeling the heat while he's in the pocket, but he 's got to get rid of that tunnel vision & start reading the coverage better!!!
Posted by: Sporty Location: LaPorte on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:50 AM
Clausen is the main reason they lost this game.He's looking like Grossman out there,fumbling and bumbling the ball away,throwing to the wrong colored jerseys. He'd better pick up his play and play smart! No one cares if you throw for 600 yards and blow the game with turnover after turnover! The second reason they lost is their D is pathetic. Not one impact player,not one. Where are the sacks? The int's?? ANYTHING?? Forced fumbles? C'mon! What they need is a Mike Brown,or Urlacher or Briggs,someone who can change a game in one play. But they don't have squat. Crum is a joke out there,their D line is a whosit group,the secondary was letting Hicks pick em apart,even when they continued to go to him. Jump the route,anyone? gimme a frickin break! DO something! Make a dang play for cryin out loud! Who's No.8? That sucker sat still in the endzone when NC's QB ran in for a TD. 8 just stood there. I'd have taken that QB's head off and he would have thought twice about doing it again! What a joke
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:22 AM
Just more proof that NOTRE DAME STINKS!
Posted by: Proud on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. I love it.
Posted by: Greg on Oct 12, 2008 at 07:04 AM
Tim has it right. And I am tired of seeing everything go ND's way with calls... Terrible call and NC should have been able to take a knee to win. And just plain stupid that it took so long to review the last call.
Posted by: Farley Location: Granger on Oct 12, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I live a few blocks away from the Weis ranch. It is only a matter of time till people start putting For Sale signs in his yard again. Give Charlie Faust, I mean Gerry Weis a chance.
Posted by: J Location: SB on Oct 12, 2008 at 01:28 AM
Tim, if thats the case ND took a fumble from a NC receiver but they didnt review it. It was clearly a fumble and NC went on to score a TD. It works both ways.
Posted by: joe on Oct 12, 2008 at 12:05 AM
Fighting Irish, HA !
Posted by: Todd Location: South Bend on Oct 11, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Greg, that is because ND fans would complain for the next 75 years like they always do if the officials don't call it right. They were just taking a few extra minutes to spare us all.
Posted by: Tim Location: SB on Oct 11, 2008 at 09:54 PM
The final play should not have been an issue. The overturned play during the prior NC offensive series was clearly an incorrect call. NC should have been able to knee it to end the game with 1:40 left.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Congrats to NC. 5 turnovers, what did we expect. Regroup and back at them in two weeks. This game showed a young Notre Dame team and I am sure Jimmy is beating himself up over this one, got to forget it and move forward. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Cory 13 TELE' Location: edwardsburg on Oct 11, 2008 at 08:59 PM
IRISH WERE SO CLOSE
Posted by: Greg on Oct 11, 2008 at 07:36 PM
How can I see everything crystal clear in my living room, but the officials and the review officials take forever to figur eit out? Sorry, I don't get it...
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