For a moment Saturday, it looked like the Vols were going to play the role of spoiler.  Then Brady Quinn and the Irish made another stride forward in becoming one of the nation’s top programs. 

After Tennessee erased an 18-point deficit to tie the game at 21 all, Quinn hit his favorite target Jeff Samardzija for what looked to be a short gain, but turned out to be the decisive moment of the contest.

“I felt the biggest play of the game was when it was 21-21 and its third-and-ten and we throw it out there to Jeff (Smardzija) and he takes it up the sidelines,” Head Coach Charlie Weis said. 

After taking it down to the 2-yard line on the play, Smardzija would then cap off the drive with a 4-yard touchdown catch from Quinn, his third of the afternoon.  The score also marked Smardzija’s 12^th touchdown reception of the season, breaking Derrick Mayes single season record of 11 set back in 1994.

The 73-yard play that setup the go ahead score for the Irish was one of several big plays on the afternoon.  Tom Zbikowski made his way into the highlights not once but twice on the afternoon, scoring two electric touchdowns on the day.

His initial score came on a first quarter punt return that spanned 78-yards.  Zbikowski’s second score iced the game for the Irish as he took an errant pass from Vols signal caller, Erik Ainge back 33-yards to give the Irish a 41-21 lead. 

“He lifted my spirits a little,” Weis said of Zbikowski. “The more he's out there, the more you want him out there because chances are something good is going to happen.”

After Zbikowski’s 78-yard punt return, it looked as if it was going to be a blowout when you take into consideration how the Irish offense began the game.

Notre Dame began their opening drive deep in their own territory, but would not stay long as Quinn proceeded to cut apart the Volunteer defense and promptly march down the field in just over four minutes and take only 11-plays to cover 94-yards.  Quinn went 6-of-9 on the drive for 101-yards which included a 43-yard strike to tight end, Anthony Fasano.

Dame’s second score would come soon thereafter. After the Irish kickoff, Tennessee return man, Lucas Taylor would fumble after a 22-yard gain, setting Quinn and company up with outstanding field position.  Three plays and a mere: 54 seconds later, Quinn hooked up with his other big play receiver, Maurice Stovall for a 35-yard strike to put Notre Dame up, 14-0 at that point.

Quinn went 20-of-33 for 295-yards with three touchdowns on the afternoon as the junior QB is quickly cementing his place in the storied Irish lore. “It was a tough situation facing a team that a lot of people said were underachieving and maybe didn't think was that good,” said Quinn. “They obviously don't fit that. They have a great defense and played tough the whole game. It felt good to get the victory."

The Irish would walk into the locker room with a 21-10 lead; most would have thought that to be a comfortable position, not Weis.  “I was concerned long before it was tied,” said Weis. “I was concerned at halftime. If I were in that (Tennessee) locker room I'd feel pretty good because I thought I had a chance in this game. They were fighting and they are a good football team.”

Tennessee made their push midway through the third quarter after a six play 46-yard drive resulted in a field goal to draw within three, 21-13.  The Vols would then capitalize on a Notre Dame three-and-out with another six play drive, this time resulting in a touchdown.  The Volunteers then tacked on the two-point conversion to tie the contest at 21-21.

“I think Tennessee is pretty good,” Weis said. “There were two critical things. Number one, we turned the ball over on that swing pass. That was a fumble and it was a good call. I tried to argue but they were right. All of a sudden it was 21-3 and they get the ball back and go down and score. We'd like to have that play back ... They have a good defense. It was like a fight out there.”

The Irish now improve to 6-2 on the season and are now bowl eligible.  If Notre Dame can run the table against their final three opponents, Navy, Stanford and Syracuse, they will be in great shape to earn their first BCS bowl birth since 2000.

Coach and player quotes courtesy of Notre Dames Official Athletic Site.