Mistakes hinder USC in South Bend

For the second consecutive season, quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions against Notre Dame’s defense. USC was unable to overcome the Fighting Irish in South Bend, falling 34-24. The Trojans remained competitive for much of the game and had several opportunities to seize control, but ultimately came up short. With the future of this rivalry now uncertain, this could be the final meeting between the programs for the foreseeable future, leaving Notre Dame and its fans with bragging rights for an extended period.

Maiava was bound to turn the ball over in this matchup. When a quarterback throws 42 passes in inclement weather, it’s often a matter of when, not if, the turnovers will occur. One interception came on a throwaway as he desperately tried to make something happen with the clock winding down. In reality, USC’s fate was sealed well before that second interception. The true issue was the running game. Both offensively and defensively, the Trojans failed to establish control in the trenches, a stark contrast to their performance against Michigan a week earlier. Running back King Miller is raw and talented, but the absence of Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders was evident. Their absence forced USC into a one-dimensional offense reliant on the pass. The game plan worked for three quarters, but then the rain arrived, and the Trojans’ struggles became impossible to overcome.

USC’s defense struggled to generate momentum against the rush. Jermiyah Love and the Notre Dame running game posted career highs, combining for 306 rushing yards. The Trojans’ inability to plug running lanes and force long-distance downs kept them on their heels throughout the game. When the defense did manage to put the Irish in long-yardage situations, they performed well but those moments were rare. One of the most frustrating plays of the night came on Makai Lemon’s fumble on the reverse pass. While the inclement weather contributed, it seemed USC’s offense was moving the ball effectively, staying within themselves and executing their plan. That play felt like a major turning point in the contest.

USC now sits at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten. The Trojans remain in contention for the College Football Playoff, but they will need to win out the rest of the season to keep that dream alive. USC will have a bye next week before traveling to Nebraska for their final road game of the regular season in which they cross multiple time zones in the process.