GAME PREVIEW: USC
jans in Kelly's first year, beating
USC 20-16 on the road to end the
2010 regular season. Notre Dame
earned back-to-back victories over
USC in 2012 and 2013, the first time
the Irish had done that against the
Trojans since the 2000 and 2001
seasons.
Despite last season's debacle in
Los Angeles, Kelly owns a 3-2 record
against the Trojans. USC is reeling
a bit after dropping a 17-12 con-
test to Washington Oct. 8. Steve
Sarkisian's loss to his former team
dropped the Trojans out of the play-
off hunt. Notre Dame must be sure
to not overlook the Trojans, who
bested the Irish a season ago de-
spite the fact USC was coming off a
double-digit loss to UCLA.
ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame
INTANGIBLES
Notre Dame's recent success
against the Trojans should help it
overcome the bad taste left over
from last season's 49-14 loss. The
Irish are healthier and better than
that team, and they have also
played well at home this season,
winning its first four contests. De-
spite stumbling on the road against
Clemson, the Fighting Irish still have
playoff aspirations, giving it even
more fire for this matchup beyond
just the rivalry aspects. With the
loss to Washington, USC is now
playing for pride.
A win over the Trojans on national
television would provide a much-
needed boost to the Irish playoff
résumé.
ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame
Sophomore linebacker Su'a Cravens notched 31 total stops, four
tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception and one forced fumble
during the Trojans' 3-2 start.
PHOTO COURTESY USC
