Notre Dame, widely ridiculed for accepting a MAC invitation, nevertheless looked like a championship contender in defeating C-USA opponent Pine Bluff, 42-24. But the Bluffies made a good accounting of themselves, only to blow the opportunity time and again with turnovers at the goal line. The principal culprit? QB Mario Pinales. Blame it on his line if you like, but even when Mario had time for his checkdowns he underthrew his intended receiver at the worst possible times - twice when he had a man open in the end zone and a throw to the outside shoulder would have been a score, once when no one stood between the defender and the opposite end zone.

Worse news for Bluffies fans, Brent Golden came on with a chance to tie the game in the 3rd quarter but after leading PBU in range fell with a broken elbow, a season ending injury.