COUNTDOWN SAYS ...

With some recent "classic" sporting events over at Notre Dame, I thought I would countdown the most memorable events I've witness in my three years (since Nov. 2002) ...

MOST MEMORABLE NOTRE DAME SPORTING EVENTS

1) USC 34, ND 31 (Oct. 15, 2005)

I know the Irish lost but this game is just flat out unforgettable. People are still talking about it. From "the fumble" or "Bush's Push" or the 4-and-9 USC converted or how 'bout the green jerseys or the pep rally the night before or ....

2) ND 80, UConn 74 (Feb. 9, 2004)

UConn came into this game as the No. 5 team in the country and Notre Dame hoops squad was flat-out struggling. Before the game I really didn't think ND had a chance but Chris Thomas pours in 31 points for the huge upset on ESPN's "Big Monday"

3) ND 4, UM 1 & ND 5, UM 2 (Feb. 27 & 28, 2004)

The Irish hockey team sweeps the weekend series from Michigan for the first time in forever. The arena only holds 2,800 people but that place was as loud as it could have gotten each evening. The two wins help solidify ND's first NCAA tournament appearance.

4) ND 3, Louisville 1 (Oct. 29, 2005)

The Irish volleyball team knocks off the previously unbeaten Cardinals in the best volleyball match I have ever seen in-person. The win bumps up ND to the highest ranking in school history (#5) as they posted their fifth straight win over a Top 25 team.

5) ND 28, UM 20 (Sept. 11, 2004)

The football team just came off an embarrassing loss to BYU the weekend before. All of a sudden the name Darius Walker becomes a house hold name after this game. ND overcame a sloppy first half with a 28-point second-half as the students rush the field after the game.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Hockey: ND 3, #1 BC 2 (Oct. 22, 2004) - ND scores shorthanded goal with 15 seconds left in the game and goalie Morgan Cey makes 52 (yes 52!) saves in the massive upset.

Men's Soccer: ND 1, Indiana 0 (Sept. 18, 2003) - The Irish knocked off No. 4 Indiana off a free kick in the second overtime. The second ever win for ND over the Hoosiers.

Women's Hoops: ND 66, #4 UConn 51 (Jan. 13, 2004) - No one on press row that night gave ND a chance. So they won by 15 to a team that went on to win the national title.

Men's Hoops: ND 66, Pitt 64 (Feb. 9, 2003) - In the first meeting between Top 10 team at the Joyce in 20 some years, Torin Francis hits a lay-up with a second left to beat No. 6 Pitt.