Interesting watching the replay and comparing it the comments of some of the most vociferous whiners.
Rees rushed the throw - He didn't rush it. There was 1:28 on the clock, ND needs 2 TDs PLUS a successful Onsides Kick. If the play is successful ND has, say, 1:20 for the Onsides Kick and the 55 yd drive for the Win. ND sent out 5 receivers, 4 were covered there was only one viable target.
Rees had time to look for other receivers - No, he didn't. See above clock restraint now look at the 4 well COVERED receivers. One way up in the left corner. Another closer on the left. One at the back of the EZ. One to the near corner. Nobody is open except the RB circling out of the backfield and running parallel to the goal line.
There were other receivers open - Wrong again! See above, and watch the clip without the alcohol induced game stupor.
Rees tried to force it between two defenders - Wrong again! The two defenders are both BEHIND the goal line and the 2nd one has been passed by the receiver.
We should have run it - Clock Management 101? 2 TDs and an Onside Kick needed. Besides the lack of a Power Running Game or a mobile QB (Thank you, Everette). Quite a few posters wanted "a run" but they never offer the play call. Should the QB have scrambled? GAME OVER! There were 3 defenders stung across the goal line in position to stop a run.
One thing I noticed on that replay which is a small screen window to start with, and is very small on my IPad, was the defender reaching around the RB with his left hand while the RB is running to the left. The RB appears to be impeded/disrupted by the defender's right hand and shoulder before the ball arrives. The RB's body appears to move in the direction of Rees while his general movement was from left to right. How was that different from either of the PI's called on ND DB's on the game clinching UM TD drive? It doesn't create a TD but ND retains possession First and Goal at the Two.
With the clock stopped for the first down, all those keyboard coaches would have time to email Coach Kelly that TD scoring rushing play they all knew would work.