The Enduring Rivalry: A Deep Dive into Notre Dame vs. USC
The Notre dame-USC football rivalry is more than just a game; it’s a cornerstone of college football history. For decades, these programs have battled for national prominence, delivering moments of unforgettable drama and shaping the landscape of the sport. But the narrative hasn’t always been one of equal footing. Let’s explore the peaks and valleys of this iconic clash, and why saturday’s matchup feels especially crucial.
A History of Ups and downs
For many, the story of this rivalry in the 21st century begins with a period of Notre Dame struggle. The early 2000s saw the Fighting Irish stumble, falling into irrelevance after the tenures of coaches Davie and Willingham. Bowl appearances frequently enough ended in disappointment – a 27-9 loss to LSU, a 28-6 defeat to NC State, and a humbling 41-9 loss to Oregon State.
Then came Charlie Weis, who initially sparked hope. His Irish team even upset No. 3 Michigan on the road and climbed into the top 10. The stage was set for a showdown with USC, complete with ESPN’s ”College GameDay” and a special green jersey unveiling.
The 2005 Heartbreak
That 2005 game remains a painful memory for Notre Dame fans. Despite a stellar performance by Reggie bush (195 yards, three touchdowns) and a spirited effort from Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija, the Irish ultimately fell short.
A controversial play – a push of Matt Leinart into the end zone – sealed a 34-31 USC victory. It was a game that, under today’s rules, would have had a different outcome, but it underscored a frustrating pattern for Notre dame.
A Shift in power Dynamics
While Notre Dame eventually regained its footing with Brian Kelly and now Marcus Freeman, achieving four top-five finishes and two national title game appearances, USC’s fortunes waned. The end of the Pete carroll era brought NCAA sanctions and a revolving door of coaches: Kiffin,Sarkisian,Helton,and now Lincoln Riley.
This period saw Notre Dame dominate the series, winning nine of the last twelve contests. Notably, only three of those games were decided by a single score, indicating a clear trend in competitive advantage.
The 2018 Victory: A Sign of Notre Dame’s Resurgence
The 2018 game offered a glimpse of the new Notre Dame. Facing a USC team desperate for bowl eligibility, the Irish protected their perfect record and playoff aspirations.
Key plays included a 52-yard run by Dexter Williams and a 52-yard touchdown pass from Ian Book to Tony Jones Jr. Despite a late touchdown from USC’s JT Daniels to Tyler Vaughns, Notre Dame secured the 24-17 victory with a recovered onside kick.
What This Rivalry Means to You
As a college football fan, you understand the weight of tradition. The Notre Dame-USC rivalry embodies that tradition, offering a unique blend of history, passion, and high-stakes competition.
* Historical Importance: This series has decided national championships and defined eras of college football.
* Regional Pride: The game represents a clash of cultures and a battle for bragging rights in the West coast and beyond.
* Player Advancement: The rivalry has showcased some of the greatest players in college football history.
Looking Ahead to Saturday’s Game
We’re overdue for a truly classic USC-Notre Dame showdown. The recent dominance by Notre Dame has lessened the intensity, but the stakes remain high.
With Lincoln Riley at the helm, USC is attempting to restore its program to national prominence. Notre Dame, under Marcus Freeman, is striving to solidify its position as a perennial contender.
Don’t miss this game. It might very well be a long time before we see another chance for a truly memorable chapter in this storied rivalry.
Resources for Further Exploration:
* [Notre Dame Football Official Website](https://und.com/sports/
