Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/187176
Game Preview: USC On Paper By Andrew Owens USC Running Game Vs. Notre Dame Run Defense During the nine years of success under former head coach Pete Carroll, USC's rushing attack often stood among the nation's best. After finishing 25th in rushing yards per game (189.3) under Lane Kiffin in 2010, that production gradually tapered off and contributed to the coach's dismissal Sept. 29. When Kiffin was let go, the Trojans were ranked No. 56 nationally (190.6 yards per game). Former Penn State running back Silas Redd bolted to USC when the NCAA hammered the program with sanctions during the summer of 2012. He finished his last year with 905 yards and nine touchdowns, but suffered a torn meniscus during spring practice and did not dress until the 62-41 loss to Arizona State Sept. 28. With the standout senior sidelined, redshirt sophomore Tre Madden (110 carries for 583 yards, 5.3 yards per attempt and three touchdowns) and true freshman Justin Davis (42 rushes for 311 yards, 7.4 yards per carry, five touchdowns) have carried the load at the position with inconsistent results. The Trojans have yet to rush for fewer than 100 yards, but performances against Washington State (139 yards) and Utah State (118) resulted in underachieving results with a stagnant offense: a 10-7 loss to the Cougars and a 17-14 win over the Aggies. Notre Dame finished September with the country's 45th-ranked rush defense, allowing opponents to Redshirt sophomore running back Tre Madden became the first Trojan to open a season with three consecutive 100-yard rushing games since Marcus Allen had 11 straight to begin his 1981 Heisman Trophy campaign. photo by Pierson Clair