Always Darkest Before the Dawn

Notre Dame had nothing to play for against USC on Saturday except for pride. Eliminated from bowl contention and facing a team that had won seven straight, the Irish went in as big underdogs.

Though they competed hard, it went about as expected. Notre Dame lost by 18 and put themselves into a hole they couldn't hope to climb out of after a punt return touchdown and a pick six on back to back series before the end of the half.

After a 4-8 season, no one wants to relive that.