The 13th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the 20th-ranked USC Trojans in the annual battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh Saturday under the lights in South Bend. The Irish are riding a four-game win streak and have outscored their last three opponents 120-27. The Trojans are coming off of their biggest win in the Big 10 after handling Michigan in the Coliseum 31-13 last Saturday night. Notre Dame is looking to keep their win-streak alive in South Bend while the Trojans are looking to pick up their first road win in this rivalry since 2011.
Where: Notre Dame, Ind. - Notre Dame Stadium
When: 7:30 PM EST
Television: NBC/Peacock - Noah Hicks (play-by-play); Todd Blackledge (analyst); Kathryn Tappen (sideline)
Radio: Notre Dame Radio Network: Tony Simeone (play-by-play); Ryan Harris (analyst); SiriusXM 129
Spread: Notre Dame -25.5; O/U 51.5 (FanDuel)
What To Know: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Notre Dame has been one of the hottest teams in college football in the last month. After starting the season 0-2, they've turned things around and have rattled off four straight wins. They beat Purdue 56-30, Arkansas 56-13, Boise State 28-7 and NC State 36-7. The Fighting Irish offense has been humming led by redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr, running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price and a handful of pass catching weapons on the perimeter. Their offense currently ranks No. 14 in the country in points per game, No. 10 in the country in yards per play, No. 16 in the country in rushing touchdowns and No. 19 in the country in passing yards per game.
The biggest storyline for this team has been the drastic turnaround on defense. This side of the ball played horribly in their first two games of the season, but turned things around halfway through their matchup against Purdue. Including the second half against the Boilermakers, the defense has only allowed seven points in the second half and have generated seven interceptions in eight sacks in their last two games. Cornerback Leonard Moore has reminded people why he's the best cornerback in the country and defensive end Boubacar Traore has been as-advertised. They'll need this side of the ball to be at their best against this high-powered USC offense.
What To Know: USC Trojans
USC is headlined by their offense, something that shouldn't come as a surprise by anyone who has followed Lincoln Riley. The Trojan's offense ranks No. 3 in the country in points per game, No. 2 in the country in yards per game, No. 1 in the country in yards per play, No. 7 in the country in rushing touchdowns and No. 2 in the country in passing yards per game. Their offense is led by quarterback Jayden Maiava and wide receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. Their running back room is banged up and will be relying on Bryan Jackson and former walk-on King Miller to spearhead their rushing attack. Transfers Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are out this game with injuries.
Their defense has struggled this season, specifically in the secondary. USC's defense ranks No. 101 in the country in passing yards allowed, No. 105 in the country in yards per attempt allowed, No. 122 in the country in passing touchdowns allowed and No. 100 in the country in opposing quarterback rating. They have a strong front seven featuring Devan Thompkins, Eric Gentry and a handful of impactful defensive lineman. They'll be facing a talented Notre Dame offense who should have some success moving the ball on this USC defense.
Notre Dame and USC have been playing annually since 1926 for the Jeweled Shillelagh in one of college football's biggest rivalry games. The Fighting Irish lead the overall series 52-38-5. USC has only won four games since 2010 and hasn't beaten the Notre Dame in South Bend since 2011.
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