USC vs. Notre Dame 2018 kickoff time announced for Nov. 24 game

SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish walks onto the field at the end of regulation against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish walks onto the field at the end of regulation against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /
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Kickoff time for USC vs. Notre Dame has been set in prime time on ABC as the rivals square off in a game with playoff implications for one side and bowl implications for the other.

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USC vs. Notre Dame remains one of the nation’s biggest and best rivalries, though this year’s matchup won’t come with quite as much hype as would normally be hoped.

Despite the fact that USC is sitting at 5-5 and still searching for bowl eligibility, the Trojans will square off with the Irish in prime time with a 5:00 p.m. Pacific kickoff on ABC.

Notre Dame is 10-0 in 2018 and ranks No. 3 in the College Football Playoff standings. They blasted Florida State 42-13 over the weekend and face a tough matchup with No. 13 Syracuse on a neutral field before traveling to Los Angeles.

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Whether they win or lose against the Orange, this year’s rivalry should carry implications for the playoff. An undefeated Irish team would want to avoid a trip-up that could put their Top 4 place in jeopardy. A one-loss Notre Dame would be scraping to prove they still belong.

USC is not reaching for such a lofty goal. The Trojans sit at 5-5 with a chance to gain bowl eligibility in the Crosstown Rivalry this weekend at the Rose Bowl.

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Should they best Chip Kelly’s Bruins, the Notre Dame game will be a chance at a silver lining with an unlikely upset in the regular season finale. Should they fall to UCLA, Clay Helton could be coaching for his job while USC chases an elusive final win to secure postseason participation.

Last year’s trip to South Bend turned ugly for the Trojans, who were blasted 49-14 on the road. However, the last time the Irish came to town, USC prevailed 45-27 as Adoree’ Jackson ran riot on offense, defense and special teams.