Pitt game nearly doomed Notre Dame's title shot

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MIAMI (AP) - Had one kick been a few inches to the left, Notre Dame would not be in the BCS title game.

Nov. 3, 2012. The Fighting Irish trailed Pittsburgh 20-6 entering the fourth quarter before forcing overtime, then were on the cusp of being beaten at the end of the second extra session when Panthers kicker Kevin Harper lined up for a 33-yard field goal.

The snap was high, the kick sailed just past the right upright, and the Irish eventually won in the third OT.

Luck of the Irish? Yes, Notre Dame heard that line once or twice after that game, and made no apologies for it afterward. The Irish survived, finished the season with three more wins, and play Alabama for the national title on Monday night.