USC’s Playoff Hopes Dwindle After Costly Loss to Notre Dame
The latest chapter in the USC and Notre Dame rivalry unfolded in wild, dramatic fashion. Fans and players were left buzzing with a mess of emotions after the final whistle.
The Fighting Irish grabbed a 34-24 win over the Trojans, keeping the Jeweled Shillelagh in South Bend. This wasn’t just about bragging rights—it shook up the College Football Playoff picture too.
Notre Dame was fighting to stay in the playoff hunt. USC, meanwhile, had to wrestle with missed chances and mistakes that proved costly.
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Notre Dame’s Dominance Continues
Notre Dame’s win marked their seventh victory in the last eight years over USC. The Irish have pretty much owned this rivalry lately.
The Jeweled Shillelagh stays in South Bend again, a symbol of Notre Dame’s recent edge. It’s starting to feel like it just belongs there, doesn’t it?
Key Performances
Jeremiyah Love put on a show for the Irish, running for a career-high 228 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He looked unstoppable, even with rain turning the field into a slip-and-slide.
Jadarian Price chipped in with 87 yards and a score on 13 carries. His 100-yard kick return was a jolt of electricity, erasing USC’s second-half lead in a blink.
USC’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
USC came in with high hopes, but walked away with regret and a playoff dream that feels a bit dimmer. They had a real shot to boost their playoff chances and knock Notre Dame out of the running.
Turnovers and Costly Errors
Quarterback Maiava tossed two brutal interceptions—one late, and another near midfield with USC down by three. He did throw for 328 yards in tough weather, but it just wasn’t enough.
A fumble by Makai Lemon on a reverse pass deep in Notre Dame territory made things even worse. Those mistakes? They add up fast in a game like this.
Looking Ahead for USC
Now USC has a bye week, sitting at 5-2 with a brutal stretch coming up. The schedule includes Oregon, Nebraska, Iowa, Northwestern, and a surging UCLA squad.
UCLA’s won three straight, including a win over Penn State, so that game’s no gimme. It’s going to be a grind.
Remaining Schedule
- Oregon
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Northwestern
- UCLA
USC’s only managed one win in seven games against teams with winning records this season. That stat kind of says it all.
If they want any shot at the playoff, they’ve got to make these next games count.
Notre Dame’s Playoff Hopes
This win was massive for Notre Dame’s playoff chances. With two losses already, another would’ve been the end of the road.
Now, though, the Irish have a shot to build on this momentum and keep the dream alive.
Coach Marcus Freeman’s Impact
Coach Marcus Freeman is now 3-0 against USC, which is honestly impressive. He’s got a knack for getting his team ready for the biggest games.
Freeman talked about how personal this rivalry is, and you could see what it meant to the whole program. Sometimes, it’s more than just football.
Conclusion
The USC-Notre Dame rivalry just keeps serving up unforgettable moments. Every year, these two teams seem to find new ways to raise the stakes.
The Trojans are left picking up the pieces, while the Irish get to soak in a big win. I can’t help but wonder what next season will look like—will the tables turn?
If you want a deeper dive into the game and what it all means, check out the full article on The New York Times.
