USC vs Notre Dame Showdown: Trojans Face Critical Test in South Bend

The No. 20 USC Trojans travel to face the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish this Saturday. This historic college football rivalry resumes at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC.

This matchup is crucial for both teams’ postseason aspirations. According to Associated Press reports, Notre Dame holds a commanding lead in the all-time series. The Irish have won the last two consecutive meetings between these storied programs.

Key Matchups and Team Statistics

USC’s offense has been a powerhouse this season. The Trojans are ranked second nationally in total offense, averaging over 552 yards per game. Quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation in yards per pass attempt.

Notre Dame’s defense presents a formidable challenge. Their rushing defense is ranked 25th in the country. The Irish secondary has been opportunistic, collecting seven interceptions in their last two games alone.

Broader Implications for the Season

This game carries significant weight for the College Football Playoff picture. A win for USC would be a massive resume booster. It would also snap a two-game losing streak against their rivals.

For Notre Dame, protecting their home field is paramount. Another victory would solidify their top-15 ranking. The outcome will heavily influence the final standings in the major conference rankings.

This USC vs Notre Dame clash features one of the nation’s top offenses against a tough Irish defense. The result will have major implications for the national landscape. Expect a hard-fought battle from start to finish.

Thought you’d like to know-

What time is the USC vs Notre Dame game?

The game kicks off at 4:30 PM Pacific Time on Saturday. It will be broadcast live on NBC from South Bend. The local start time is 7:30 PM.

How can I watch the game if I don’t have cable?

The game is available for streaming on services like Fubo and YouTube TV. Hulu and Sling also carry NBC in their channel lineups. Check your local listings for availability.

Who is the starting quarterback for USC?

Jayden Maiava starts at quarterback for the Trojans. He ranks third nationally in passing yards per game. This will be his second career game played at Notre Dame Stadium.

What is Notre Dame’s record against USC?

Notre Dame leads the all-time series 52-38-5. They have won six of the last seven matchups. The Irish are currently on a two-game winning streak in the rivalry.

How has USC’s defense improved this season?

USC has allowed only three rushing touchdowns through six games. They gave up 19 total rushing touchdowns all of last season. The run defense is ranked 29th nationally.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, ESPN Stats, NCAA Official Statistics