NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
For the second time in six years, all that stands between Notre Dame and a spot in the College Football Playoff is a road trip to its rival, Southern California (3:30 p.m., CBS).
When the Fighting Irish were in this scenario in 2018, when a 24-17 victory gave them an unbeaten regular season and the No. 3 seed in the playoff.
This year the stakes against USC (6-5) are the same. Notre Dame enters with a 10-1 mark and ranked No. 6 by the College Football Playoff committee. A victory Saturday all but guarantees the Irish a playoff spot and gives them a strong chance at hosting a first-round game Dec. 20 or 21.
More: What does Notre Dame football depth chart look like heading into USC game?
More: Notre Dame football tries to fix Mitch Jeter, shaky field-goal unit as Irish head to USC
Here are three keys to the 95th meeting between the Irish and Trojans, and the South Bend Tribune’s staff predictions.
Throwing the ball against an improved USC defense
USC had one of the nation’s worst defenses in head coach Lincoln Riley’s first two seasons. That proved to be their downfall when chasing a 2022 CFP bid and a key reason USC lost five of its final six regular-season games last year.
The Trojans have turned that around under defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn, allowing 21.3 points per game to rank 32nd of 134 Division-I teams. Last year, they surrendered 34.4 points.
Leading the Trojan defense is linebacker Easton Mascarenas with 88 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. Linebacker Mason Cobb is tied in interceptions while recording 68 tackles, while Jaylin Smith has been USC’s top cornerback with 50 tackles and two interceptions.
The Trojan pass defense is susceptible, ranking 93rd in the country by allowing 235.6 pass yards. Notre Dame isn’t know for its throwing attack as it ranks 99th with a 198.1 passing yards. Can…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/notre-dame-football-vs-usc-165253316.html
Author : South Bend Tribune
Publish date : 2024-11-26 16:52:00
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
