South Bend, Ind. - Jason Teague made amends with his teammates, coaches and fans after rushing in the game-winning touchdown in overtime Saturday to lift the Spartans to a 44-41 victory.

Head coach John L. Smith said following last weekend's game against Hawaii that the senior running back was suspended indefinitely. Teague did not dress for that game.

Teague wasn't even on the Spartans' depth chart for the game at Notre Dame Stadium.

But he played on special teams and also had 10 carries for 72 yards.

"He was working as a third-team running back. He was working on special teams this week and worked his way back that way," Smith said. "He had an opportunity to show himself late because we were running everybody in the game."

Teague said he told Smith on Sunday that he was ready to help the team. Teague said Smith told him he'd primarily play on special teams and as the game went on, he'd be worked into the offense."

"I'm just happy Coach gave me another chance and I'm happy to be back for the team," Teague said. "I'm kind of on my last leg."

Injury update

Senior cornerback Ashton Watson saw limited playing in the second half because of Achilles tendinitis, Smith said. He was replaced by Jaren Hayes.

Sophomore tight end Kellen Davis lay motionless in the end zone following his first career touchdown catch late in the first quarter after he was sandwiched between safeties Chinedum Ndukwe and Tom Zbikowski. Davis returned in the second half.

Finally

John Goss' 21-yard field goal in the second quarter tied the game at 17.

It was the junior kicker's first career field-goal attempt and the Spartans' first field-goal kick this season.

Goss, however, missed on a 53-yard try on the Spartans' first drive in the fourth quarter.

Career days

Junior quarterback Drew Stanton's 327 passing yards was the most by an MSU quarterback against the Irish. Stanton's first-half touchdown was his seventh career rushing touchdown.

Senior defensive tackle Domata Peko had a career-high seven tackles against the Irish.