Cam's Classics - Week 7: Under The Lights

Peyton Manning

Week 7:



2011 NCAA Week 2



Notre Dame @ Michigan
a.k.a "Under The Lights"

Background

Coming into this season, it was somewhat surprising to learn that Michigan Stadium - the largest stadium in America and third largest stadium in the world - had never hosted a primetime football game.

So, it goes without saying that when Michigan played host to long time rivals Notre Dame for the first ever Saturday night game under the lights at the Big House, tickets would be in demand. And that they were, as almost 115,000 fans witnessed history being made, and made a little history themselves setting the single game record for attendance of an NCAA match up.

To understand this rivalry, one must simply understand the concept of winning, and how winning can hold you above your rivals for as long as you continue to do so. It's what adds an extra spice to this rivalry that no other game can claim - and that is that Michigan and Notre Dame are the two elite college programs that have the highest win percentages in college football history. The definite #1 vs #2 showdown, if you will.

While this game only happened little over three months ago, there is no doubt about it that as soon as the game ended, we had an instant classic that would be forever remembered. Affectionately known as Under The Lights - I also like to refer to this game as something else.

Two crazy minutes.

That's all I can call it, for this was truly one of the most exceptional finishes to a football game I've seen at any level, and ranks up there with the famous Boise State - Oklahoma 2007 Fiesta Bowl that featured in Week 1 of this series.

This game, and football as a whole, can be summed up by the game winning Quarterback of this classic -

"It's never over until you see zeros on the clock."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNsNCdKP1qU

Paully D

Cracking end to the game, a very enjoyable watch.

That was some throw from Robinson in the 3rd quarter with a defender hanging onto him.

31-28 to ND with 23 seconds left and Michigan have a 2nd and 10 at their own 20 yard line, 64 yard pass later and you expect them to go for the field goal with 8 seconds left to tie the game, and then the TD to win it.

Unreal stuff, I still can't believe they didn't go for the field goal though!

Cheers Cam!

matthew8

I remember this, first college game I've ever watched, only other one I've ever watched was LSU-Alabama.

johnmcdnl

Think it was like the 2nd or 3rd game of college football I ever watched...

and it was class :cool: :pac:

one of the best endings to a game I've ever seen