Golson pulled late, Rees powers Notre Dame to victory

Posted: 09.08.2012 at 7:54 PM

Golson is still Notre Dame's starting quarterback after being lifted late against Purdue.

(AP) -- SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Tommy Rees came off the bench to lead Notre Dame on a last-minute, winning drive Saturday as the No. 22 Irish got a 27-yard field goal from Kyle Brindza with seven seconds to go and beat Purdue 20-17.

Rees, who was suspended for the opener after he was involved in a skirmish with police at a party in May, relieved starter Everett Golson out of Myrtle Beach High, late in the fourth quarter.

Purdue (1-1) had tied the game at 17-17 when Caleb TerBush threw a 15-yard TD pass to Antavian Edison with 2:12 left, the score set up by Josh Johnson's recovery of a Golson fumble. Golson was shaken up on the play and the Irish turned to Rees, who started 12 games last season.

Rees connected on key third down passes of 10 yards to John Goodman and 21 yards to Robby Toma to get Brindza in position for the game-winning kick. Notre Dame is 2-0 for the first time since 2008.

Following the game, Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly told NBC that Golson is still his starting quarterback. Golson ran for one touchdown and threw for another. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 289 yards.