Game Thread | USC at No. 13 Notre Dame

USC (3-3) at No. 13 Notre Dame (5-1)

Notre Dame Stadium | 7:30 p.m. ET | NBC | Notre Dame -7 | O/U: 59

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Fight On 

Notre Dame couldn’t beat USC until Brian Kelly as he holds an impressive 7-3 record against the Trojans, including winning the last three games. 

It’s a similar game on paper as USC has a dynamic offense and far too many questions on defense. The Trojans will bring in one of the most electric players in the country to South Bend in receiver Drake London and Irish fans will need to be prepared for him to get his on Saturday night. 

This comes down to Notre Dame continuing to build on its improvement in the ground game against Virginia Tech. If the Irish can get things rolling on the ground, it makes life really simple for the quarterback and Tommy Rees can finally dig a little deeper into his playbook. 

In the end, if Notre Dame punches USC in the mouth, the Trojans will roll over as usual. 

Five Players To Watch

Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer
He's back after missing the Virginia Tech game due to injury and there should be plenty of favorable matchups for him against USC's linebackers and safeties in this game. If he isn't having a monster game it's only because USC is doubling him as much as possible.

USC WR Drake London
Possibly the best wide receiver in college football, no one has been more dangerous catching the deep ball than him. Expect him to see plenty of targets, but also plenty of bracket coverage from Notre Dame.

Notre Dame DE Isaiah Foskey
USC's offensive line has protected well this season, but they also haven't faced a pass rusher as good as Foskey. Expect him to once again have an impact and make whoever is at quarterback for USC uncomfortable.

USC Edge Drake Jackson
He left the Utah game with an injury, but it looks like he will be available for this matchup. When he's on, he can be a dominant pass rusher. USC isn't likely to win the game without a great performance from him.

Notre Dame QB Jack Coan
Slated to get the start, will he finish the game? Will he play most of the game? Will he be the best version of himself like he was closing out the Virginia Tech game? We don't know the answers to these questions and he could have an opportunity for a big game against a defense that has struggled against the pass this season.

Quotes of the Week

Notre Dame WR Avery Davis:
"We're excited. It's a rivalry game and a historic game we've been playing for many decades. Personally, I haven't played in the game, so I'm super excited. I think the energy is through the roof and I think we're all ready to go." 

Notre Dame TE George Takacs:
"That's huge for me. USC is a big rival and probably the biggest rival for me growing up a Notre Dame fan. I always grew up watching the USC games.

"For me knowing I'm going to go in and play pretty significant snaps is a dream come true. I'm a senior, but I've never actually had a snap in the USC game before. It's really exciting." 

Notre Dame DL Howard Cross III:  
"A rivalry game is a new atmosphere. It's bigger and everyone is excited - fans and players included. The biggest thing is to calm down and do what you've been doing for however many games you've been playing. It's not different. Do what you've been taught and do what you can do and go and get production." 

Notre Dame S Kyle Hamilton:  
"We're definitely blessed to play USC again. It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest, college football rivalry in the country. Playing them at home twice and not having to go out to Cali and having them come here and it's supposed to be a little cold - we get to play them in that environment.

"I think it'll be good for everybody. Guys last year haven't been able to experience the rivalry and guys this year are looking forward to it. That's the reason they came here to play in big games like that. No matter what the two teams ranked or what everyone on the outside is saying, we know it's going to be a good game. They're going to bring their A-game and we are too. I think it'll be a good game and it'll be a cool experience for everyone on the team." 

For Your Nerves