USC vs. Notre Dame isn’t the oldest rivalry in college football but it’s certainly one of the best. With a combined 39 National Championships and 14 Heisman Trophy winners, it’s easy to see why it’s held in such high esteem. The two teams have been playing since 1926, with the Irish leading the series 47-37-5.
Here’s a recap of a few instant classics:
1988– #1 Notre Dame comes to the Coliseum to take on #2 USC, the first and only time they have been ranked as such, without their RB stars Ricky Waters and Tony Brooks due to being suspended by coach Lou Holtz. The Trojans have a record sell-out crowd for the game, hoping the 12th man would give them an advantage. However, it was the Irish defense lead by DE Frank Starns who contained USC QB Rodney Peete and the Trojan offense. Irish went onto win the National Championship that season.
2005– The 05 edition came down to the wire . The Trojans came into South Bend ranked first in the nation while the Irish were surprising everyone with their potent offense created by new head coach Charlie Weis who previously was offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. Both teams traded blows all game long, and then a crucial 1rst and Goal with 3 seconds left in regulation, Trojan QB Matt Leinart runs up the middle with an extra push by star running back Reggie Bush to lift his teammate in the end zone to secure the win. The game is now known as the “Bush Push”.
This yeas edition might now have the same shine as past years, but it has talent and potential across the board.
Starting at Quarterback for USC is junior Kedon Slovis, who on the season has thrown for 9 touchdowns and 1,519 yards, has been a leader for the men troy, even when he’s had to share the role with Freshman Jaxson Dart. Both young men have good arms, but consistency has been an issue.
Lining up behind them is RB Keontay Ingram and Vavae Malepeai. Both backs have combined for 5 touchdowns and 641 yards rushing. And out on the ends is WR Drake London and Tahj Washington, who have combined for 6 touchdowns and 1109 yards. This is USC’s strength on offense, and rest assured, they will have their chances to get open Saturday.
For the Irish, Jack Coan has been the model of consistency, throwing for 10 touchdowns and 1,208 yards. Coan has been a great fit for the Irish at QB. While he might not have the star power as a Bryce Young or Spencer Rattler, he has been a general for the Irish in the heat of battle. Even banged up, he’s got the job done on offense.
On Defense, DL Isiah Foskey, Justin Ademilola, and Jayson Ademilola have been the bulls up front. They’re a hard trio to block and can create havoc on opposing offenses.
For USC to get the upset, they have to create some turnovers. They have not had much success in the category. And on offense, get in rhythm and find your open receivers. Lastly, establish a run game. That’s been the weakest link for them this year.
And for ND, play to your strengths, which is blitzing on defense and airing it out on offense.
Even if USC is down this season, it’s a rivalry game and that means it’s going to be a grudge match. The game goes down at 7:30 PM on NBC.
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