SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame's quest for a national championship began when players lined up for fourth-and-goal from the 3-yard line during spring practice.
The situation itself wasn't unique. Coaches simulate pressure and game-deciding plays all the time. Yet just before the snap, coach Brian Kelly threw the offense a curveball -- or, actually, a soccer ball.
"Score with a soccer ball," Kelly told the group, placing the ball in front of center Sam Mustipher. "Find a way."
"That was the craziest thing," Mustipher said later. "It kind of shocked me."
The conversion failed, as the soccer ball rolled away.