John Flanders intercepted a Tommy Rees pass with 36 seconds left in the game and Tulsa held on for a 28-27 victory over Notre Dame.

With 3:23 left, Tulsa kicker Kevin Fitzpatrick put the Golden Hurricane ahead for good with a 27-yard field goal. Quarterback Tommy Rees became the first Notre Dame freshman to throw for four touchdowns but was intercepted three times.. Rees stepped in for Dayne Crist midway through the first quarter when Crist was injured after running for 28 yards. Crist ruptured a tendon in his left knee and is now out for the season.

The game was dedicated to former Irish student Declan Sullivan, who tragically died during the week in an accident while filming practice. Both teams wore helmet decals with Sullivan's initials on a shamrock. Tulsa improved to 5-3 while the Irish lost their second straight and dropped to 4-5.

Tulsa scored on their first possession when GJ Kinne hit Demaris Johnson on a nine-yard pass on a 3rd-and-goal call. Rees then took over Crist and completed 5 of 5 passes on the drive, culminating in a 10-yard touchdown pass to Michael Floyd. David Ruffer's extra point was blocked and Tulsa linebacker Curnelius Arnick scooped up the football and ran 90 yards for two points.

Trailing 9-6, the Irish scored their second touchdown when Rees hit fellow freshman TJ Wood on a flat pass who lateraled to Cierre Wood - a hook and ladder play - who ran 22 yards for the score and a 13-12 ND lead. Rees then hit Floyd on a 4-yard touchdown as the Irish took a 20-12 lead. Linebacker Shawn Jackson then intercepted a deflected pass and rambled 65 yards to the end zone as the Golden Hurricane closed the Irish lead at the half to 20-18.