PITTSBURGH - With his 80-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, Irish receiver TJ Jones has a touchdown catch in each of the last seven games. The streak brings him within one game of Jeff Samardzija (2005) and Golden Tate's school record of eight straight games.
Jones also set a career high with 149 receiving yards while recording his fifth 100-yard game of the season and his career. The performance moved Jones into eighth place in school history in career receiving yards with 2,212.
Close-game streak ends
Notre Dame's prowess in the clutch came to a halt as its streak of 10 wins in games decided by a touchdown or less was broken. The streak dated back to the 2011 Champs Sports Bowl, where the Irish lost 18-14 to Florida State.
The streak was the longest active streak in the nation and the third longest since 1980.
It comes down to turnovers
In their seven wins this season, the Irish have turned the ball over five times, but in their losses the figure rises to eight. Notre Dame lost the turnover battle 3-0 against Pittsburgh with two Tommy Rees interceptions and a Jones fumble in the red zone.
Contact Andrew Gastelum at agastel1@nd.edu
