The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were finally able to defeat the Pittsburgh Panthers in triple overtime, 29-26, in one of the most thrilling games in recent memory.
Pittsburgh laid it all on the line in South Bend, but just couldn't find a way to get the job done. It was an exceptional game for the Panthers in many aspects, considering they scored 26 points against one of the premier defenses in the country.
Over at Cardiac Hill, that feeling was summed up in the postgame:
In the end, Pitt should come away proud, but a little disappointed in how things ended. They certainly had their chances to beat the Irish, but at the very least should hurt the Irish in the eyes of the voters, which could prevent the Irish from playing for a national title which, outside of those in South Bend, nobody in America wants.
The No. 3 Irish had a tough time getting the lead, trailing throughout much of the game. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, a missed field goal in the second overtime left the door open for a Notre Dame comeback.
Perhaps most shocking was the play of Tino Sunseri, who wasn't prolific through the air but was certainly efficient. Sunseri ended the day 19-of-29 for 164 yards and a touchdown.