Luck of the Irish

UCLA linebacker Christian Taylor, left, makes sure Notre Dame’s Darius Walker doesn’t hold on to a pass as the ball falls incomplete during the first quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Notre Dame’s Terrail Lambert, left, defends and keeps UCLA’s Junior Taylor from catching what would have been a touchdown pass during the first quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA tight end William Snead, left, leaves Notre Dame’s Mike Richardson behind as he runs for a touchdown during the second quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA free safety Dennis Keyes tries to take down Notre Dame’s Jeff Samardzija during the third quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA’s Justin Hickman, left, and Bruce Davis celebrate over Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn after sacking him.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Notre Dame’s Dan Santucci can only watch as UCLA linebacker Aaron Whittington stretches to recover a Fighting Irish fumble.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA cornerback Alterraun Verner watches as Notre Dame’s Jeff Samardzija hauls in the winning touchdown in the final minute.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA’s Junior Taylor gets squeezed between Notre Dame’s Joe Brockington, left, and Chinedum Ndukwe after making a catch during the fourth quarter.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA linebacker Eric McNeal, right, can only watch as Notre Dame’s Jeff Samardzija runs in the winning touchdown.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Notre Dame’s Terrail Lambert intercepts a pass intended for UCLA receiver Marcus Everett.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

UCLA’s Jeremy McGee walks off the field after the defeat.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn, left, celebrates the Fighting Irish’s winning touchdown with teammate Derek Landri.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

Dejected UCLA cornerback Rodney Van gets a pat on the back from Notre Dame wide receiver Rhema McKnight.  (Richard Hartog / LAT)

The touchdown duo celebrate after their winning connection.  (Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)