Video of Winning Kick by Leann Ross

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Puma Nuredini booted the game winning field goal with 4.5 seconds remaining to finish the Notre Dame Falcons.

In the first quarter, Notre Dame outscored UC 10-7 on a run by Kaplan and a field goal by Morgan. Leighton Settle flipped over the line at the close of the of the quarter to pull UC within three.

During the second, the only score came from a Nuedini kick to even the score 10-10.

The Golden Eagles opened the third with a Torie Wagner interception for for a touchdown. Notre Dame responded after the interception with another Kaplan kick and Russ TD run. John Knox, followed Notre Dame with a 19 yard TD run. UC leads 24-20.

In the deciding quarter, Notre Dame scored a quick touchdown to pull ahead 26-24 on a pass from Russ to Wallace. John Knox channeled his inner Johnny Moxin from Varsity Blues in a 67 yard TD run smashing the Falcons, "Never show weakness, the only pain that matters is the pain that you inflict." With 1:36 left on the clock Notre Dame scored on fourth and long with a pass from Russ to Morgan deep in corner of the end zone. UC netted few yards on the ensuing return but it didn't stop the Golden Eagles as Mo Leak led the game winning drive with quick passes and efficient runs. With 4.5 seconds remaining UC called a time out to stop the clock and set up a field goal. Notre Dame called timeout to try and ice Puma Nuredini. Little did they know, Puma was on fire. Snap back, laces out, the kick was good. Game over, the Golden Eagles improved to 2-0 in the Mountain East Conference. UC now owns a four game home winning streak. Next week, UC takes on the Shepherd Rams.


Top performers for the Golden Eagles:
Torie Wagner found the end zone again this time on a 75 yard interception return to the house. John Knox, led the rushing attack with 147 yards on 18 attempts including a 67 yard scamper for a touchdown. Knox also added 45 yards receiving. Mo Leak passed for 157 yards for the game on 16 completions. Daniel Cherry gathered most of those yards on six receptions for 75 yards.