The three games USC football must win in 2024

Beating Notre Dame on November 30 is a must.

Notre Dame is a must-win game for USC every season, and 2024 is no exception. The Irish got the better of Riley's squad last year, but the game returns to Los Angeles this season. As such, it is imperative the Trojans find glory and keep put their head coach on the winning side of the rivalry.

Preseason rankings list Notre Dame as the No. 5 team and fourth-ranked opponent on the Trojans' schedule. Much will change regarding rankings by the final regular season game of the season, but I expect the Irish to remain one of the sport's better teams. Thus, USC might need the win over Marcus Freeman's program to remain in the hunt for an at-large CFP bid.

USC and Notre Dame have maintained their annual rivalry game despite the Trojans migration to the Big Ten. However, recent speculation suggests the Irish are candidates for another Big 12 expansion. I don't think there's any chance Notre Dame will join the Big 12, but I believe its days as an independent school are numbered.

Thus, USC must get the best of the Irish while the annual rivalry game is locked in. Notre Dame has won three of the last four games against the Trojans; however, all Irish wins occurred in South Bend. The home field advantage returns to USC in 2024.