Despite the fact the kicker was recovering from a serious injury in the offseason, the coaches decided to not go and recruit a backup. The end result was the bad offense had to go for it on 4th down even if the kick was less than 40 yards. The next season they rostered 5 kickers
Utah L 24-21 - Backup kicker missed a 36 yarder as time expired
Notre Dame L 17-14 - Injured kicker missed a 46 yarder in the 3rd quarter