Undeterred by the deficit, USC head coach John McKay delivered a rousing halftime speech, famously predicting that Trojan running back Anthony Davis would return the second-half kickoff for a touchdown. Whether it was a stroke of genius or a simple motivational tactic, McKay's words ignited a spark within the USC team.

As the second half began, Davis did exactly as McKay predicted. He electrified the crowd with a dazzling 102-yard kickoff return touchdown, igniting an incredible comeback. USC proceeded to score 49 unanswered points, turning the game into a rout and securing a 55-24 victory.

This historic comeback has been immortalized in college football lore. ESPN has even ranked it as the 28th-best collegiate game in the first 150 years of the sport. The 1974 USC-Notre Dame game remains a testament to the power of belief, the magic of sports, and the enduring legacy of "The Comeback."