football history, Heisman Trophy runner-up Joe Theismann set a still-standing single game school record with 526 passing yards – in a losing effort. The fact that the game was played in a torrential downpour made Theismann's feat that much more amazing. Down 24–14 at the half, two fumbles, one in their own end zone, proved costly for the Irish, as the Trojans extended their lead to 38–14. Notre Dame came back to within ten early in the fourth quarter, but would not get any closer. They would go on to end Texas's 30-game winning streak with a 24–11 victory in the Cotton Bowl. 1972 – USC 45, Notre Dame 23 USC was 10–0 and ranked #1, fielding what was arguably their best squad in school history while the Irish were 8–1 and Orange Bowl-bound. Trojan tailback Anthony Davis did the most damage, scoring six touchdowns including two kickoff returns that went the distance. The Trojans went on to rout Ohio State in the Rose Bowl and to claim the national championship while Notre Dame would suffer its worst defeat under coach Ara Parseghian against Nebraska in the Orange Bowl, 40–6. 1973 – Notre Dame 23, USC 14 Notre Dame was 5–0. while the Trojans were 5–0–1. Anthony Davis was a marked man all day, managing only 55 yards rushing. Eric Penick's 85-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter was the key play of the game. Notre Dame's defense set the tone on the first play of the game when Trojan quarterback Pat Haden attempted a swing pass to Lynn Swann, who was hit so hard by freshman Luther Bradley that his helmet flew off. Bradley's interception late in the game sealed the victory, only the third for Ara Parseghian against the Trojans. The Irish would proceed to run the table and stake their claim to the national championship after a thrilling 24–23 win over Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. 1974 – USC 55, Notre Dame 24 "The Comeback" In one of the most notable comebacks in college football history, the 1974 Trojans erased a 24-point deficit to beat defending national champion Notre Dame, 55–24, in the Coliseum. Many football historians cite this game as one of USC's 10 greatest games. The Irish jumped out to a 24–0 lead, but with 10 seconds remaining before halftime, Anthony Davis scored on a 7-yard pass from Pat Haden. At the start of