At a time when officials are calling far fewer defensive penalties, offenses are still coming up with points.

"The defensive penalties especially have hurt us," Kotite said.

A game cannot end on a defensive penalty, so Notre Dame needn't have worried about time running out.

It was the correct call and since a game cannot end on a defensive penalty, there would be another play.

It took two possessions by each team before either managed a first down, and when it finally happened, it was due to a defensive penalty.

Rice, who also drew a defensive face-mask penalty on the play, walked off the field, staring at the huge television screen above.

The eight-play, 51-yard drive was kept alive by two defensive holding penalties.

Some defensive penalties give the offense an automatic first down.

A team cannot make another first down (barring a defensive penalty) without actually scoring.

But a face-mask penalty was called against Smith and a half cannot end on a defensive penalty.