The late great Howard Cosell made the call in 1973, the last time Alabama and Notre Dame played. It was the National Championship...and a local football star played a pivotal role in that game, but not for the Irish... for the Crimson Tide.
Mike Stock was a star at Elkhart High School and had scholarship offers all over the country, including Notre Dame.
But when legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant walked into his living room, he knew he was heading to Tuscaloosa.
Stock was converted from quarterback to half-back at Alabama.
Then, in 73 Stock had the opportunity of a life time. Bryant called a trick play and number-32 had his chance. A flea flicker for a touchdown that gave Bama the lead. But the kicker missed the extra point, the only PAT he had missed all season and the Irish ended up winning 24-23.
Stock says Bryant made the call on 3rd down...and he got laid out by a ND player so he didn't even see if the pass was complete, but he heard the roar of the crowd.
Now Stock is the president of Mito Corporation on County Road 17 in Elkhart, you may have seen his sign, showing his allegiance to the Crimson Tide.
We will have much more on Stock and his awesome story along with this classic game during our next bowl special, Here Come the Irish on January 4th.
