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By The Numbers 12.8 Points allowed per game by the Fighting Irish defense, even with the BCS National Championship Game debacle against Alabama. Including bowls, that was the fewest points allowed by Notre Dame per game in a season since the 10.7 in head coach Dan Devine's final campaign back in 1980. 19 Years between Notre Dame reaching No. 1 in the Associated Press poll. Until Nov. 18, 2012, the last full day the Fighting Irish had at No. 1 was Nov. 19, 1993. That nearly doubled the previous longest drought of 10 years from October 1954 with first-year head coach Terry Brennan until November 1964 with first-year head coach Ara Parseghian. 1,659 Yards rushing by seniors Theo Riddick (917) and Cierre Wood (742). That was the second-most in one season by a Notre Dame running tandem that would not return the following year. The record of 2,358 (including the bowl) was set in 1992 with tailback Reggie Brooks (1,458) and fullback Jerome Bettis (900). "If you want to know about the Fighting Irish, you just need to look at Theo Riddick. He broke countless tackles and got us the tough yards that we needed today. You just look at his jersey after the game, and there's no wonder why this team has the toughness it does." Head coach Brian Kelly after beating USC of luck and a lot of resolve resulted in a 2926 triple-overtime victory after Notre Dame trailed by 14 points heading into the fourth quarter. Turnovers and penalties hampered the Irish, but Golson connected with Riddick for a touchdown pass with three minutes remaining in regulation, and then tied the game by finding a crease at the line of scrimmage for the two-point conversion. The teams matched field goals in the first overtime, but when Wood fumbled while diving over the goal line to start the second extra frame, the life was sucked out of Notre Dame Stadium. Pitt missed a 33-yard field goal that would have won the game, and the Irish were granted a Brian Kelly and Alabama's Nick Saban enjoy a relaxed moment while third chance to keep their undefeated season preparing for the BCS Championship showdown. Shortly thereafter, intact after not being flagged for a penalty in- Kelly interviewed with the Philadelphia Eagles. photo by bill panzica volving two players wearing the same number. Dame rushed for 222 yards and relied on its defense The Panthers scored a three-pointer in the top once again for another goal-line stand in a 22-13 vichalf of the third OT before Golson put Notre Dame tory over the embattled Trojans. Next stop: Miami and on his back and crashed into the end zone from a yard the BCS National Championship Game. out for the winner. Dec. 4 — Irish defensive coordinator Bob Diaco Nov. 4 — Because of Notre Dame's narrow escape was named the Broyles Award winner (nation's top versus the Panthers, it dropped to No. 4 in the BCS assistant coach). poll with three games remaining. Dec. 5 — Kelly is named the Home Depot Coach Nov. 10 — Boston College was famous for tripof the Year for the second time in his career (also in ping up Notre Dame at critical times, including when 2009 at Cincinnati). He'd go on to win the FWAA/Edthe Irish were undefeated and ranked No. 1 late in die Robinson, Associated Press, Walter Camp, Liberty 1993. However, Kelly and Co took care of business in Mutual and AFCA Coach of the Year awards. Boston for a 21-6 win to improve to 10-0. Dec. 8 — Winner of a college-football-record seven national individual awards, Te'o finished second to Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel at the Heisman Trophy ceremony in New York City. Jan. 5 — While at the BCS National Championship Game media day in Miami, Kelly dispelled rumors of him eyeing a move to the NFL. Jan. 7 — No. 2 Alabama crushed the Fighting Irish, 42-14, to win its third national title in four years. The Crimson Tide racked up 529 yards total offense (265 rushing, 264 passing) against a Notre Dame defense that had no answer for running back Eddie Lacy and quarterback AJ McCarron. Jan. 8 — Reports surfaced that Kelly met with the Philadelphia Eagles less than 24 hours after losing to Alabama. Senior running back Theo Riddick played with unbridled Jan. 12 — Kelly released a statement that he's passion and physical determination while romping for 146 staying at Notre Dame. yards and scoring this touchdown in the 22-13 victory at Jan. 16 — Deadspin.com came out with a story USC to clinch a berth in the BCS Championship Game. exposing Te'o's inspirational story of success through photo by bill panzica tragedy as a work of fiction, claiming the star lineNov. 17 — Senior Day at Notre Dame went off backer might have been behind an elaborate lie. without a hitch for the No. 3-ranked Irish, which Jan. 18 — Te'o granted an exclusive interview to routed Wake Forest 38-0 to reach 11-0 for the first ESPN and explained that he was the victim of a cruel time in 23 years. Later that day, Stanford knocked off hoax and found out in mid-December that Kekua was No. 1 Oregon and Baylor upset No. 2 Kansas State. actually a male posing as a female. Nov. 18 — The last time the #1 sign atop Grace Jan. 21 — Georgia 2014 running back prospect Hall was lit up was 2010 … for women's soccer. But Stanley Williams told recruiting publications, includthe Irish claimed the top spot in the BCS poll and the ing Blue & Gold Illustrated, that he had a productive glow of the single digit represented decades of hope visit to Notre Dame. He admitted soon after that the that the legendary program would one day reclaim its visit never took place. throne. It was the program's first ascent to No. 1 since Jan. 29 — Kelly addressed his flirtation with the November 1993. Eagles and the Te'o situation. Nov. 24 — With a title berth on the line against Feb. 6 — Notre Dame pulled in a consensus toprival USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Notre 132 ✦ Blue & Gold Illustrated 2013 Football Preview 130-133.Year In Review.indd 132 6/25/13 3:07 PM