USC vs Notre Dame: Playoff Hopes on the Line
No. 13 Notre Dame edged out No. 20 USC, 34-24, in their 96th meeting. The game had everything: talent, drama, and a rivalry that just doesn’t seem to fade.
Notre Dame’s ground game was on fire, racking up 306 rushing yards. Jeremiyah Love led the way with a career-best 228 yards and a touchdown.
His runs kept USC guessing all night. Honestly, it looked like he was playing at a different speed.
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Jadarian Price chipped in 87 yards and a score of his own. He also broke loose for a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown.
That special teams play really seemed to swing momentum. Price’s versatility showed up at just the right moments.
USC’s Aerial Assault
USC’s quarterback, Jayden Maiava, put up 328 passing yards and two touchdowns. He did what he could, but three turnovers made it tough for the Trojans to keep pace.
Turnovers and Their Impact
Those turnovers? Brutal. Notre Dame turned them into points, and that made all the difference.
It’s tough to win when you’re handing the ball over three times, especially against a team like Notre Dame.
Statistical Breakdown
Notre Dame finished with 442 total yards—pretty balanced between rushing and passing. Meanwhile, USC leaned heavy on the pass, mostly through Maiava’s arm.
- Notre Dame Total Yards: 442
- Notre Dame Rushing Yards: 306
- USC Passing Yards: 328
- USC Turnovers: 3
Implications for the Season
Notre Dame’s now beaten USC three times in a row. Both teams are sitting at 5-2, but this one feels bigger than just another tally in the win column.
College Football Playoff Projections
According to Austin Mock’s College Football Playoff projections model:
- USC CFP Odds Before the Game: 31%
- USC CFP Odds After the Game: 22%
- Notre Dame CFP Odds Before the Game: 71%
- Notre Dame CFP Odds After the Game: 78%
Midseason Awards and Recognitions
As the season hits its halfway point, a few names are popping up everywhere. USC’s Bishop Fitzgerald has five interceptions, tying him for the national lead.
He was a difference-maker in USC’s win over Michigan earlier this year, and honestly, he’s been everywhere on the field.
Heisman Trophy Contenders
The Heisman race? It’s getting interesting. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is suddenly in the mix, completing over 70% of his passes with a sparkling touchdown-to-turnover ratio.
Season Recaps and Future Outlook
Notre Dame opened the year with two close losses—to Miami and Texas A&M. They rebounded, though, with solid wins over Purdue, Arkansas, Boise State, and NC State.
USC started hot, beating Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Purdue, and Michigan State. They stumbled against Illinois but bounced back against Michigan.
Notre Dame’s Season Results
- Week 1: L vs. Miami (27-24)
- Week 2: L vs. Texas A&M (41-40)
- Week 3: W vs. Purdue (56-30)
- Week 4: W vs. Arkansas (56-13)
- Week 5: W vs. Boise State (28-7)
- Week 6: W vs. NC State (36-7)
USC’s Season Results
- Week 1: W vs. Missouri State (73-13)
- Week 2: W vs. Georgia Southern (59-20)
- Week 3: W vs. Purdue (33-17)
- Week 4: W vs. Michigan State (45-31)
- Week 5: L vs. Illinois (34-32)
- Week 6: W vs. Michigan (31-13)
Looking Ahead
The rest of the season? It’s shaping up to be just as wild as the first half. Notre Dame and USC both have make-or-break games lined up that could flip their postseason chances upside down.
Notre Dame has to keep tightening up their defense. If they can keep their offense balanced, they’ll be tough to beat.
USC’s got some work to do. Turnovers have been a real headache, and honestly, their rushing game needs a serious boost if they want Maiava’s passing to shine.
The college football season always finds a way to surprise us. There’s bound to be more upsets, crazy plays, and players stepping up when nobody expects it.
Want more details or live updates? Check out The New York Times.
