Notre Dame Faces USC in Rivalry Game With Playoff Berth on the Line

The Fighting Irish seek to secure a College Football Playoff spot, while the Trojans aim to play spoiler in the 95th meeting of this historic rivalry.

• Notre Dame enters the matchup ranked No. 5 with a 10-1 record, needing a win to solidify their place in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
• USC, at 6-5, has shown late-season improvement and hopes to upset their rivals and derail Notre Dame's postseason aspirations.
• Notre Dame's defense, ranked second nationally in points allowed and first in turnovers forced, has been a key factor in their nine-game winning streak.
• USC quarterback Jayden Maiava, unbeaten in two starts, has revitalized the Trojans' offense, highlighted by recent wins over Nebraska and UCLA.
• The rivalry, which dates back to 1926, sees Notre Dame leading the all-time series 51-38-5, with the home team winning every game since 2019.

5 Articles

EssentiallySports EssentiallySports Deadspin Associated Press Associated Press