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Last updated on Friday, December 30, 2011
(ORLANDO, FL) - Notre Dame surrendered 18 unanswered points in the second half as they fell to Florida State 18-14 in the Champs Sports Bowl.
The only score in the first half came courtesy of the Fighting Irish defense as Zeke Motta recovered a Devonta Freeman fumble in the first quarter and returned it 29 yards for a touchdown.
Notre Dame made it 14-0 when Tommy Rees hit Michael Floyd from five yards out for a score.
Florida State kicked a field goal in the third quarter before EJ Manuel threw a pair of touchdown passes in the fourth to give the Seminoles the lead for good.
Manuel's first strike was an 18-yard pass to Bert Reed. He then found Rashad Green from 15 yards out to put the 'Noles up 15-14. A second Dustin Hopkins field goal provided the final margin of victory.
Manuel completed 20 of 31 passes for 249 yards and the two touchdown throws. Rees went 15-for-25 for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the end zone.
Andrew Hendrix also played for the Irish, completing four of his nine pass attempts for 43 yards and a pick.
Florida State finishes the season at 9-and-4 while Notre Dame drops to 8-and-5.
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