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3h ago

Notre Dame Extends Five-Game Streak With 34-24 Win Over USC

Marcus Freeman’s emphasis on physical defense produced a fourth-quarter shutout that keeps the 5-2 Irish in the playoff conversation.

Oct 18, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates with quarterback CJ Carr (13) during the first half against the Southern California Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
Sep 27, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman celebrates with running back Jeremiyah Love (4) after a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Corner Christian Gray responded to Freeman’s on-field challenge — “Nobody feels bad for you” — with a late third-quarter interception of Jayden Maiava.
  • Running back Jeremiyah Love posted a career-high 228 rushing yards and drew praise for a downfield block that freed CJ Carr for a fourth-quarter touchdown.
  • Notre Dame has rebounded from an 0-2 start to win five straight, with Freeman more involved in defensive play-calling and pushing a tougher identity.
  • The Irish closed out the rivalry in bad weather by holding USC scoreless in the fourth quarter.
  • Freeman said he “had a conversation with God” after the win, and Notre Dame now looks to Boston College on November 1 with an outside shot at the CFP.