In a thrilling Saturday clash at Notre Dame Stadium, the Fighting Irish successfully dashed Southern Cal’s hopes for an upset, claiming a 34–24 victory in front of an energetic and passionate home crowd. The game, marked by intense physicality and tactical plays, showcased Notre Dame’s dominance on the ground and highlighted their balanced approach on both offense and defense. This win not only adds to Notre Dame’s season record but also solidifies their stance as a formidable contender in the College Football Playoff race.
Ground Game Steals the Show
From the opening kickoff, Notre Dame’s strategy was clear: control the line of scrimmage and dominate the game on the ground. The Irish rushed for over 300 yards in total, with sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love delivering a standout performance. Love accounted for 228 yards on the ground, including a breathtaking kickoff return for a touchdown that electrified the stadium. His combination of speed, vision, and power made it nearly impossible for Southern Cal defenders to contain him.
The offensive line deserves equal credit, as they consistently created running lanes and gave Love and other backs the space to break off significant gains. By maintaining possession and controlling the clock, Notre Dame limited USC’s offensive opportunities and forced the Trojans to play from behind for most of the game. The Irish running game wasn’t just effective—it was the backbone of their victory, setting the pace and dictating the flow of the contest.
Defensive Highlights
While the offense shone on the ground, Notre Dame’s defense played a crucial role in preserving the lead and maintaining momentum. Cornerbacks and linebackers made key plays at pivotal moments. Critical interceptions disrupted USC drives, while a fumble recovery late in the third quarter shifted momentum firmly in the Irish’s favor.
Notre Dame’s defensive line applied consistent pressure on USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, preventing him from finding a rhythm in the passing game. Despite USC’s efforts to exploit short passes and outside runs, Notre Dame’s disciplined approach and timely tackles forced the Trojans into mistakes, ultimately determining the outcome of the game.
USC’s Fight and Challenges
Southern Cal entered the game with high hopes of upsetting a top contender. The Trojans showcased flashes of brilliance, particularly in the passing game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava connected with wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane on a stunning 59-yard touchdown, demonstrating USC’s potential when the passing game clicked. Wide receivers and running backs alike displayed agility and determination, keeping the Irish defense on their toes.
However, USC struggled to maintain sustained drives. Turnovers, missed opportunities in the red zone, and penalties at crucial moments hindered their ability to close the gap. Even with strong individual performances, the Trojans could not overcome Notre Dame’s methodical ground attack and opportunistic defense.
Special Teams and Momentum Shifts
Special teams also played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of the game. Jeremiyah Love’s kickoff return touchdown provided an immediate boost to Notre Dame’s momentum, energizing fans and rattling the visiting Trojans. Punts and kick coverage were executed effectively, ensuring that field position remained in Notre Dame’s favor throughout the contest.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Notre Dame improves its record to 5–2, strengthening its College Football Playoff aspirations. The victory demonstrates the team’s ability to perform under pressure, adapt strategies during the game, and execute a balanced offense and defense. Head coach Marcus Freeman praised his team’s focus and resilience, noting that consistent effort on both sides of the ball was key to overcoming a talented USC squad.
For USC, also now 5–2, the season remains challenging. The Trojans will need to regroup, address inconsistencies in execution, and find ways to sustain drives while minimizing turnovers. Their talent is undeniable, but discipline and precision will be essential if they hope to stay in contention for postseason play.
Notre Dame will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season, aiming to solidify their ranking and maintain their winning streak. Fans can expect a team confident in its strengths, particularly in its dynamic rushing attack, robust defense, and ability to make key plays in high-pressure situations. Meanwhile, USC must rebound quickly, learning from the mistakes of this game to remain competitive in upcoming matchups.
As the season progresses, this game serves as a reminder of the intensity and unpredictability of college football, where preparation, execution, and resilience define success. Notre Dame’s victory over Southern Cal will be remembered as a display of strategy, skill, and determination, setting the tone for the remainder of their season.