Lane Kiffin lost a game against Notre Dame, but USC's first-year coach has not lost the ability to recognize dark humor in a situation, even if it comes at his own expense.

Kiffin, of course, continues to be criticized mercilessly by Tennessee fans for bolting to USC after one season.

So who clinched Notre Dame's victory over the Trojans?

Fighting Irish safety Harrison Smith, who played high school football in ... Knoxville, Tenn.

Smith might have been the goat after slipping and letting USC receiver Ronald Johnson get behind him for what would have been a certain touchdown. But Johnson dropped the pass.

A few plays later, Smith's interception clinched the victory.

Kiffin, noting Smith's Tennessee connection, said: "I now officially believe in karma."

-- Gary Klein