The last time a No. 1-ranked dynasty riding a winning streak stretching across three regular seasons arrived at Notre Dame Stadium, the drama could not contain itself. The unveiling of green jerseys before kickoff, prompting Irish panic across the country, would have warranted a “30 Years of Notre Dame on NBC” moment all on its own, not to mention Tom Zbikowski’s 60-yard punt return just before halftime to stake the Irish to a 21-14 lead against USC.
Matt Leinart’s dramatic 4th-and-9 completion for 61 yards in the final minute could have stood as the iconic play in the sport’s greatest intersectional rivalry, but even that would be overshadowed by …
The Bush Push.