Irish lose QB Crist, then fall to Tulsa

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - G.J. Kinne completed two long late passes to set up a go-ahead field goal by Kevin Fitzpatrick and John Flanders' end-zone interception sealed the upset with 36 seconds left yesterday, giving Tulsa a 28-27 win over Notre Dame.

The Irish played three days after the death of Declan Sullivan, 20 a student videographer who was recording the team's practice Wednesday when the lift he was in fell over on a windy day. Both teams wore shamrock decals with the letters DS on their helmets.

After the game, Irish coach Brian Kelly said it was his call to hold practice that day and that "in terms of the tragedy that occurred, there's never been a more difficult time in my life."

The Irish lost starting quarterback Dayne Crist to a severe knee injury in the first quarter, likely ending his season. The Irish also played without leading rusher Armando Allen, whose college career may be over with a hip injury.

Tommy Rees replaced Crist and threw four TD passes but also three interceptions.

Following Kinne's two clutch passes and Fitzpatrick's 27-yard field goal with 3:23 left for a 28-27 lead, Notre Dame drove back down the field. But on second-and-8 from the Tulsa 19, instead of getting better field-goal position, Rees lofted a pass toward the corner of the end zone for Michael Floyd and Flanders picked it off.- AP