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Notre Dame stuns Air Force with last-second victory
2 Jul
Summary
- Notre Dame blocked a potential game-winning field goal attempt.
- An overtime touchdown secured a dramatic 34-31 Irish victory.
- Air Force's Ryan Fleming delivered an exceptional receiving performance.
Notre Dame narrowly escaped defeat, securing a dramatic 34-31 overtime victory against Air Force on October 19, 1996. The Irish initially held a commanding 28-10 lead in the fourth quarter but allowed the Falcons to mount a comeback.
Air Force's comeback was fueled by a strong offensive showing in the final quarter, including impressive aerial plays between quarterback Mike Thiessen and receiver Ryan Fleming. Fleming recorded 163 yards on eight catches, with Thiessen completing 17 of 29 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns.
With the game tied at 28 and only three seconds remaining, Air Force lined up for a 28-yard field goal from the same spot where they had previously succeeded. However, Glenn Earl blocked the kick, preventing a potential victory for the Falcons.
In overtime, Joey Getherall scored a 9-yard touchdown run, sealing the 34-31 win for Notre Dame. Despite the late-game scare, Notre Dame improved to 6-2 on the season, moving up in national polls and keeping their Bowl Championship Series hopes alive.
