On Nov. 21, 2009, a Connecticut Husky named Andre Dixon rushed unchallenged into the Notre Dame end zone to give UConn a 33-30, double-overtime victory over the vaunted Fightin’ Irish.
This, perhaps, was the lowest on-field moment in recent memory for Notre Dame. It was also a result that had the potential to impact the program’s longterm status. UConn entered the game at just 4-5, yet it embarrassed the Irish on senior day and sent South Bend into another night of hushed depression.
Coach Charlie Weis would soon be fired, but even Irish fans joined the loud chorus of critics in wondering if the program could even return to elite status, let alone do it without giving up its coveted independence.