USC vs Notre Dame Week 8 Highlights: Key Moments and Final Score
The historic rivalry between Notre Dame and USC took center stage once again, and honestly, it didn’t disappoint. The Fighting Irish grabbed their fifth straight win after an 0-2 start, beating the Trojans 34-24 in the 96th meeting between these two storied programs.
Notre Dame’s running game really stole the show. Jeremiyah Love racked up a career-high 228 rushing yards, and it was just a blast to watch. This win keeps Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff hopes alive and adds yet another chapter to this epic rivalry.
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Notre Dame’s Dominant Running Game
Notre Dame’s rushing attack was electric. Jeremiyah Love led the way with 228 yards on 24 carries, including a 63-yard run that showed off his speed and vision.
Jadarian Price chipped in with 87 rushing yards and a touchdown. Price also broke loose on special teams, returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown.
Jeremiyah Love’s Heisman Campaign
Jeremiyah Love’s performance against USC felt like a statement game. Besides the 228 yards on the ground, he caught five passes for 37 yards.
His versatility and knack for making big plays in key moments have folks talking about him as a possible Heisman candidate. That lead block he threw on CJ Carr’s touchdown run in the fourth quarter—yeah, that was pretty special.
Notre Dame’s Defensive Strategy
Defensive coordinator Chris Ash had a straightforward plan: shut down USC’s ground game and keep Makai Lemon in check. The Irish defense really delivered, holding USC’s top two running backs to just 92 yards on 24 carries.
Even without defensive tackle Gabe Rubio, Notre Dame’s defense held strong. They kept the Trojans behind the chains and made life tough for them all night.
Key Defensive Plays
Notre Dame’s defense came up with some huge moments. A fourth-down stop in the fourth quarter flipped the momentum, and recovering a fumble by Makai Lemon was another big swing.
Both teams battled the weather and made some mistakes, but these defensive plays really stood out.
USC’s Offensive Struggles
USC quarterback Jayden Maiava put up 328 yards and two touchdowns, which looks solid on paper. But turnovers and some questionable play-calling haunted the Trojans.
Head coach Lincoln Riley’s call for a slow reverse in the rain and a failed fourth-and-short pass? Not his best moments, and Notre Dame took advantage.
Missed Opportunities
USC had a few chances to grab momentum in the second half but just couldn’t get it done. A promising drive ended with a fumble from Makai Lemon.
Another key fourth-down attempt fell incomplete. Those missed chances, paired with Notre Dame’s defense, pretty much sealed USC’s fate.
Implications for the College Football Playoff
This win keeps Notre Dame’s playoff hopes alive, while USC’s chances took a real hit. The Trojans now have to win out and hope for a little chaos elsewhere if they want a shot at the playoff.
Notre Dame, after a rocky start, is suddenly back in the mix. Funny how fast things can change in college football.
Upcoming Challenges
Both teams have tough schedules ahead. Notre Dame gets a bye before heading to Boston College, and USC will travel to Nebraska after their own bye week.
They’ll both need to be sharp to get through the rest of their schedules. No easy outs from here on out.
Fan Reactions
The game got fans and analysts buzzing all over social media. Plenty of folks praised Notre Dame’s coaching staff for their game plan and adjustments.
Others weren’t shy about criticizing Lincoln Riley for overcomplicating things. Here are a few reactions that stood out:
- Christopher H.: Lincoln Riley can’t get out of his own way. Always thinking he’s smarter than everyone else. And it always blows up in his face.
- Bryan S.: USC looks like a very talented, poorly coached team.
- Scott P.: Credit to Denbrock tonight. Clearly learned from early on not getting Love enough touches in big games. 24+ carries shouldn’t be necessary moving forward but they fed him as they should in this one.
- William F.: These two teams have to play each other every season – it is one of the greatest rivalries in all of college football history.
Final Thoughts
The 95th edition of the USC-Notre Dame rivalry? Yeah, it really delivered. Notre Dame leaned hard on their rushing game and defense, and that made all the difference.
This win keeps their playoff dreams alive for now. It’s another wild chapter in a rivalry that’s already packed with stories.
USC took a hit here, no doubt. Still, with all that talent and a tough road ahead, they aren’t out of chances yet.
If you want to dive into the numbers or relive the big moments, check out the live blog.
