NASHVILLE — Everett Golson hadn’t taken a snap in the fourth quarter until Malik Zaire’s helmet popped off.

Turns out, the rule that forces a player to sit out a play after losing his helmet may have pushed Notre Dame to a 31-28 win over LSU.

Golson completed four of five passes after entering the game for Zaire, who then re-entered the game, rushed twice and set up Kyle Brindza’s game-winning 32-yard field goal.

It was a strange end to a game that saw Zaire — who won the Music City Bowl MVP — and Tarean Folston power an effective ground game, which carved up LSU’s defense for 263 yards on 51 carries and scored three touchdowns, including a 50-yard dash by wide receiver C.J. Prosise.

Golson only saw scattered snaps and completed two of six passes for 40 yards and rushed once for six yards before his fourth quarter entrance.

For a complete recap of the game and more coverage from Nashville, head to CSNChicago.com’s Notre Dame Central.