Notre Dame secured an at-large spot in the College Football Playoff with a 49-35 victory over USC, extending their win streak to 10 games. Despite a loss to Northern Illinois earlier in the season, Notre Dame finished with an 11-1 record. USC, on the other hand, ends the regular season with a 6-6 record and will await their bowl game destination.
Quarterback Riley Leonard played a strong game, helping Notre Dame secure the win with 155 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Star tailback Jeremiyah Love also contributed with 99 rushing yards and a touchdown before leaving the game with an injury. The defense came up big with interceptions by Christian Gray and Xavier Watts, both returned for touchdowns.
Notre Dame’s strong ground game and resilient defense were highlighted in the victory over USC. Despite some struggles, particularly in the passing game, the Irish showed they could rely on other aspects of their game to secure the win. With their College Football Playoff spot secure, Notre Dame still has room for improvement in the coming weeks before the postseason begins.
Overall, USC’s season was plagued by late-game breakdowns and missed opportunities. They led in the fourth quarter of 11 games but lost five, showcasing their inability to finish games. A late interception against Notre Dame sealed their fate in a season filled with missed chances. Despite a commendable effort from the defense, USC struggled against the strong Notre Dame offense, highlighting the need for more talent moving forward.
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