By Darin 
In the annals of college football, few games defy logic quite like the “Miracle at South Bend” on November 9, 1991. For the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, everything was going right. For the No. 13 Tennessee Volunteers, it was a disaster—until it wasn’t. This legendary matchup didn’t just feature one of the greatest comebacks in NCAA history; it was ultimately decided by an injured kicker, a nervous backup, and perhaps the most famous body part in SEC history.
The game began as a blowout. Notre Dame, playing at home, exploded to a 31-7 lead in the first half. With seconds left before halftime, the Irish lined up for a field goal to extend their lead, but Tennessee’s Darryl Hardy blocked the kick. Floyd Miley scooped up the ball and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. On the play, Notre Dame’s starting kicker, Craig Hentrich, was injured attempting the tackle. This 10-point swing and injury completely shifted the game’s momentum.
Vols Celebtrate 1991 Upset 10 Nov 1991, Sun The Jackson Sun (Jackson, Tennessee) Newspapers.com
The Volunteers, led by quarterback Andy Kelly, clawed their way back. The offense came alive, and the defense stiffened, holding the Irish to just one field goal in the second half. With 4:03 left, Kelly hit running back Aaron Hayden for a touchdown, giving Tennessee an improbable 35-34 lead. The Irish, however, mounted a final, desperate drive. They marched down the field, setting up a chip-shot 27-yard field goal with seconds remaining. With Hentrich sidelined, backup kicker Rob Leonard was sent in for his first-ever collegiate field goal attempt.
Leonard’s kick was low. Tennessee cornerback Jeremy Lincoln surged through the line, leaped, and the ball deflected harmlessly off his backside. Lincoln recovered the ball, sealing the largest comeback by a visiting team in Notre Dame stadium history. The block became an iconic college football moment, immortalized by Lincoln’s post-game quote: “I went up to my mom after the game, and thanked her for giving me such a big behind.”