Michael Floyd leaped high over Air Force's Bobby Watkins III to grab a pass from Rees at the front pylon of the end zone. Initially ruled a touchdown, the play was reviewed — and even though replays showed that Floyd's left foot appeared on the line — the score was upheld.

The 34-yard TD pass capped an 81-yard drive, one that took under three minutes and also included a Rees-to-Riddick hookup of 24 yards.

"There was no explanation. ... It was confirmed that it was definitely in. I didn't see it, either," Calhoun said. "When I saw it on the sideline, I thought it was out. But as far as the actual visual, I didn't see it."

Moments later, on the Falcons' first scrimmage play, Clark broke off a 29-yard run but fumbled at the end of it and Robert Blanton recovered for Notre Dame.

A 20-yard run by Jonas Gray, who had two TDs, set up a 5-yard scoring pass from Rees to Tyler Eifert.

Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images The Week in Sports Pictures The nation grieved for those hurt, killed and affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. After one of the suspects was caught on Friday — following a day-long lockdown and manhunt — sports returned to Boston over the weekend.

After a field goal by Air Force's Parker Herrington, the Irish got a 40-yard kickoff return by George Atkinson III and moved in for another TD in four plays. Hendrix hit Eifert for 22 yards, setting up Rees' 10-yarder to Robby Toma for the score.

The Falcons then used their no-huddle offense to confuse the Irish and move down the field 80 yards. Notre Dame forced a field goal try, but Irish freshman defensive end Aaron Lynch — starting because of an ankle injury to Ethan Johnson — was offside on the play, giving the Falcons a first and goal at the 3. Jefferson then carried in for the TD before Darius Fleming blocked the extra point attempt, leaving the score at 21-9.

Air Force tried an onside kick and Notre Dame recovered at the 38, setting up another short drive capped by Gray's 5-yard TD run. Jamoris Slaughter's acrobatic interception of Jefferson sent the Irish on to another TD. This time it was Cierre Wood's turn with an 8-yard touchdown run and it was 35-9.