USC Cruises By Notre Dame

No. 6 USC exorcises rivalry demons with win over No. 15 Notre Dame

QB Caleb Williams spectacularly cements his Heisman frontrunner status with an 18-for-22 show, scoring four TDs

Adam Grosbard (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — In the grand scheme of this 96-year-old rivalry, six years is not a terribly long time. But for the players in the USC locker room, those six cycles around the sun might as well have been a lifetime. Entering Saturday’s regular-season finale, no Trojan had beaten Notre Dame, with four straight losses (and a DNP-COVID) haunting Los Angeles.

But that streak came to a cathartic end at the Coliseum Saturday, with No. 6 USC beating No. 15 Notre Dame 38-27.

If you couldn’t tell how much that meant to USC (11-1, 8-1 in Pac-12) based on its comments leading up to the game, the emotion was quickly evident. The Trojan defense strutted to the sidelines after linebacker Shane Lee stopped Notre Dame for a loss on third down on the Irish’s first drive.

The defense was throwing fists through the air when Ralen Goforth and Tyrone Taleni stuffed the Irish on a fourth-and-one run the next drive.

Four days after the College Football Playoff’s selection committee questioned the USC defense, the Trojans held Notre Dame to 90 yards rushing a week after the Irish put up 281 against Boston College.

And though it was his first game in the rivalry, head coach Lincoln Riley went deep into the playbook on USC’s opening touchdown drive. Tight end Lake McRee slipped through the line for a 31-yard reception on third down, which Riley followed with a reverse to Jordan Addison for another first down.

The drive ended with receiver Tahj Washington dancing through defenders to the end zone.

Returners like Washington who suffered through USC’s four-game losing streak to Notre Dame (8-4) got their pounds of flesh. The 5-foot-11 receiver went up and caught a terrific jump ball to set up a USC touchdown. That drive was set up by a fumble recovery from Goforth that ended a promising Notre Dame charge to open the second half, when the USC lead was just 10.

Tuli Tuipulotu had a monster sack to end the second quarter, and safety Calen Bullock’s fourth-quarter interception cemented the win for USC.

But the new blood that has revitalized USC played a pivotal role, too. Running back Austin Jones continued to fill in admirably for the injured Travis Dye, rushing 25 times for a career-high 154 yards. Freshman Raleek Brown was able to strut untouched into the end zone to give USC a 17-point third-quarter lead.

And, of course, there was quarterback Caleb Williams. The quarterback cemented his Heisman frontrunner status with an 18-for-22 performance, throwing one touchdown and running in three more.

He was immaculate with his decisions in read options, pulling one away from Jones at the last moment to scramble into the end zone. Then when Notre Dame respected his keeper ability, Williams handed off to Brown for his easy score.

And when he skipped into the end zone with 2:35 to play, Williams locked up the game for USC and returned the Jeweled Shillelagh to Los Angeles.

ocregister.com

__________

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Steveg
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November 29, 2022 7:21 pm

What I just read the new 12 team playoff format is ready except for the Rose Bowl people not willing to give up their time slot. It could end up the Rose Bowl will not be in involved in the CFP if they don’t relent and go along with everyone else. If they don’t agree then the 12 team format will not start until 2026, probably without the Rose Bowl involved at all.
Source, CBS Sports.

Steveg
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November 29, 2022 6:49 pm

From a site called Clutch Points: The Utah Utes are preparing for a huge game this coming Friday against the USC Trojans, with both teams squaring off for the Pac-12 title. One of the most notable storylines heading into this conference championship game is the status of Utes football tight end Dalton Kincaid, who was not able to finish last Saturday’s 63-21 victory on the road over the Colorado Buffaloes due to an injury. Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham sounded optimistic about Kincaid’s chances of playing against the Trojans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas (h/t Josh Newman of The Salt Lake Tribune).… Read more »

Steveg
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November 29, 2022 5:57 pm

Some names to look for in the Portal:
TRUMAN JONES, DT, HARVARD, LEVI BELL, DT, TEXAS STATE, DONT’E THORNTON, WR, OREGON 6’5″, DAMIEON GEORGE, OL, ALABAMA, THEO WEASE, WR, OKLAHOMA, TREY SANDERS, RB, ALABAMA, LJ JOHNSON, RB, TEXAS A&M Most of these guys have announced they are leaving.

Jamaica
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November 29, 2022 6:03 pm
Reply to  Steveg

In addition, was there any news about the recruits who visited this past weekend who were present at the USC-ND game? Did any make commitments? There was a post that said some 50 recruits were present. Haven’t heard anything about what went on……

Steveg
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November 29, 2022 6:51 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

I have not seen anything about commits, but there was some big enthusiasm, and guys were totally impressed. There were guys there from 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes. They were the big crowd behind the Trojan bench and in the end zone after the game.

Jamaica
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November 29, 2022 7:21 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Thanks for the info Steveg.

Steveg
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November 29, 2022 5:39 pm

#4 in the CFP poll ain’t to bad. Great job Trojans.

Steveg
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November 29, 2022 5:18 pm

If the CFP committee eliminates someone because they lost a 13th game, and someone that didn’t play a 13 game moves into the final four, something is very wrong.

TrojanRJJ
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November 28, 2022 8:55 am

I thought the board would enjoy putting what we have witnessed this year in perspective. I owe most of the research to Java of the Wild West Board: USC is one of only 5 major football programs to win at least 11 games this year. How rare is that: Java: “If you assume 10-win seasons are the barometer and 11 is the new ten as of about 2000? USC has ten-win seasons in 1921, 1925, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1952, 1962, 1967, 1969, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1988, and 11+ win seasons in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008,… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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November 28, 2022 9:14 am
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

That’s 3 more games to WIN! Great stats RJJ. This is something to savor. Is this year just the start?! Truely amazing.

volunteerTrojan
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November 28, 2022 7:31 am

Happy 1 year anniversary of the hiring of Lincoln Riley as the Head Football Coach of the USC Trojans. It’s been a fantastic first year exceeding my hopes and expectations. SC football is back, relevant and fun to follow all 365 days again.

Beat the Utes, and Fight On!

ATL D.D.S.
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November 28, 2022 8:29 am

Well, UTAH, during our earlier game this season, already used the dead guys to emotionally charge up their team and the home crowd (first used against SC by CAL for the first Joe Roth Memorial game). The game is neutral sited and they cannot go back to the dead guy well. However, we will still have Pac-12 zebras to spice up the bizarre officiating. Overall, I still like our chances, because in HS and NCAA football, it’s hard to beat a team twice in one season.

misterusc
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November 27, 2022 9:08 pm

Happy Holidays Allen!! Have you heard anything new on the recruiting front since last night’s game? I had read that between 50 and 60 players were at the game.

Steveg
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November 27, 2022 3:02 pm

I am sure from some of the comments I have read that USC will pick up some very good commits. Riley has a new nickname….Linc-Dog. Came from a recruit.

Chris
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November 27, 2022 3:34 pm
Reply to  Steveg

im with you, I trust Riley. Just like everyone else, I’d like to see some big time interior lineman on both sides of the ball. I bet we hit home runs in portal.

Jamaica
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November 27, 2022 5:14 pm
Reply to  Steveg

I too was thinking about those recruits being hosted by USC at the end of the game and the impression they got from this scene. They have to realize this is just the beginning of USC football moving back into the big arena nationally and winning championships. They are in a beautiful position, especially linemen, being part of it all. Hope they get wise to this fact!

Chris
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November 27, 2022 2:14 pm

Lomu committed to Utah. I was hoping we were landing that kid.

USC1988
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November 27, 2022 1:25 pm

Amazing … what season! Which should be over after playing UCLA and ND back to back now this stupid conference title game. Good thing it’s vs Utah so we can settle that home job BS they pulled on our team.

Golden Trojan
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November 27, 2022 12:59 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If the 4 on the bottom right take care of business Friday and Saturday, there should be no doubt they are the play off teams. The games this week are for seeding.

USC1988
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November 27, 2022 1:29 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Need to get revenge on Utah. Rematches are almost all coaching, I like our chances. KSt can beat TCU which would help avoid a first round game at Atlanta vs Georgia, basically another home game. OhioSt has no business in top 10.

USC1988
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November 27, 2022 7:12 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The excessive beard dye is affecting his decision making

Rock2112
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November 27, 2022 9:42 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yeah, I don’t remember anybody asking that question of Urban Meyer when Ohio State got boat-raced out of the first round of the playoffs 31-0 a few years ago. The outlier game happens once in a while, although the problem for Day is that it happened two years in a row and he talked a little too much before the game about how he dedicated the entire year to re-tooling to avoid a repeat of last year’s result. You should save that kind of talk for after you win, and it should not see the light of day if you… Read more »

Rock2112
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November 28, 2022 8:45 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks Allen – you too! And to John and all here as well. I have never been busier at work, and it’s a nightmare before Christmas this year on that front, but I should be sprung right at Christmas and be able to enjoy the actual Christmas Holiday, New Years, and the big bowl games! I know I am spoiled by the last two weeks, but I hope we all have some big football presents to open!

Jamaica
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November 29, 2022 7:32 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

This is going back’n’forth. Day owned Harbaugh since he became Buckeye HC. You knew the tables would turn eventually. Not even Woody or Bo could win too many in a row. Players graduate, some programs lose a measurable amount of starters any given year and lose some advantages. Look at the premier program Bama.

HOF19
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November 27, 2022 11:26 am

As a Colts fan I hope they break it GENTLY to Mr. Bowen (Colts #1 Beat Writer) that neither of they 2 guys are available >>>>> Kevin Bowen
@KBowen1070
Any #Colts fans cut off a pinky for a Caleb Williams/Lincoln Riley combo?

Golden Trojan
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November 27, 2022 12:56 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Since 5-9 are not playing this week, none of them should bump the top 4, no matter what happens in the CCGs. 10-13 are too far down to be worthy of moving to the top 4.

Chris
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November 27, 2022 9:46 am

I’m not really into giving ND any props or credit, but I do believe they have the right head coach. I think this game will have playoff implications for both teams in the years to come. I’m looking forward to it.

Golden Trojan
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November 27, 2022 9:33 am

For 4 years that damn leprechaun has been riding my Traveler.
comment image
Now he has been knocked on his butt and will be under Traveler’s hoof for at least a year!
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Please note the Pete Carroll autographed football underneath. Fight On! Great Day to be a Trojan.

John Weld
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November 27, 2022 9:01 am

Highlights from last night’s game.
https://fb.watch/h3k8EBAHUK/

John Weld
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November 27, 2022 8:26 am

Here are the results after Week 12 and heading in the final week.

  1. Chris – 52000
  2. San Diego Trojan-36000
  3. Satyrdancing – 35000
  4. Trojan RJJ – 30250
  5. Troy5543 – 30000
  6. DubPar22 – 30000
  7. Rialto Trojan –22250
  8. Golden Trojan – 2000
  9. Steveg – 2000   

Click Here for Itemized Results

Steveg
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November 27, 2022 9:51 am
Reply to  John Weld

Chris, you have got to let it roll again!!

RialtoTrojan
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November 27, 2022 8:24 am

I just dragged myself away from the sports page after seeing that SC will beat Utah in the PAC 12 conference championship. I had to post here the utter stupidity of the tie breaking scheme concocted by the PAC 12 brain trust. It’s like an old Star Trek episode where Kirk is trying to explain the rules to a card game he just made up. “Except Wednesday, when all cards that are red beat any black card, except the guy on your right.” Utah is perfect for SC because of the neutral field and with a little luck the PAC… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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November 27, 2022 8:49 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

You mean Fiesta or Peach don’t you?

RialtoTrojan
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November 27, 2022 9:10 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

You know Golden, I was trying for a silly joke, something about high cotton as a place to defecate, but I’m good with being peachy or attending a fiesta. If the morons running the selection committee don’t dis the PAC we should be in for a good game in the near future.

Steveg
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November 27, 2022 8:17 am

As Caleb was performing miracles avoiding tackles, Austin Jones was carrying the load on his back giving USC great 2nd down opps. That O line that we used to think totally stunk did the magnificent job of opening great holes in that ND defense. Even against a 6 man rush the line held long enough for Caleb to escape. So very excited I hardly slept after the game and woke up with a smile.
Now it is time to get championship serious, going not just for one but the whole enchilada. Great day to be Trojans!!

Steveg
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November 27, 2022 8:19 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I always thought Shaw was a good coach and a class act. Sorry to see him go actually. I doubt he will be out of the game very long, unless he gets an AD job which he could be good at also.

San Diego Trojan
November 27, 2022 9:30 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He had a good run, but you knew something had to change there. Wonder who will be sought after and/or interested with the unique restrictions and lack of commitment to play the NIL game. Getting one of the best educations for free will still be a draw for the true STUDENT athlete. I read that Wisconsin is going after Luke Fickell. If he’s interested a year after being courted by SC, then you know it had to have been a Midwest lifestyle decision for his family

Golden Trojan
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November 27, 2022 7:02 am

Stanford coach David Shaw resigns.

rleeholder1
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November 27, 2022 6:44 am

I have to say that this season has been one that far exceeded my expectations. Early in the year I was predicting 9-3. SC is now 11-1, beat both UCLA and Notre Dame, is playing for a PAC-12 Championship and could have a Heisman Trophy winner and berth in the CFP. Congratulations to the players, coaches and HC Lincoln Riley for a complete turnaround from last year. Sending early Happy Holiday wishes to all who contribute to this wonderful blog. Many thanks to Allen and John for making this blog what it is!

HOF19
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November 26, 2022 11:08 pm

USC vs Utah ……..Bring it on …..FIGHT ON !!!!!!!!!!

HOF19
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November 26, 2022 10:52 pm

Washington starting to take control in this game ?

Jalenbuck1
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November 26, 2022 10:13 pm

really impressed with the rushing game and the O line!

rleeholder1
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November 27, 2022 6:32 am
Reply to  Jalenbuck1

Agree. I was very concerned when Travis Dye went down but Austin Jones has carried the load along with stints from Barlow and Brown. The much-maligned O Line was a concern going into the season but has really turned that around.

Jalenbuck1
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November 27, 2022 4:58 pm
Reply to  rleeholder1

now we need to avenge that Utah loss and possibly 2 additional games!

HOF19
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November 26, 2022 10:02 pm

Talk about your tie-breaker scenarios >>>>> From Yahoosports,com >>> ” Utah’s loss to Oregon virtually put them on the outside looking in for the title game. A lot needs to happen for them to get a nod to Las Vegas. Here we go. Utah needs to beat Colorado. Washington needs to beat Washington State. Oregon State needs to beat Oregon, and UCLA needs to beat Cal. Those outcomes create a three-way tie among the Ducks, Huskies and Utes. This would give Utah the highest-combined win percentage in conference games among conference opponents between the three.” <<< Could all this happen… Read more »

UtahTrojan
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November 26, 2022 10:40 pm
Reply to  HOF19

All of that has happened and Washington is winning. It is looking like we will face Utah.

HOF19
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November 26, 2022 10:43 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

They probably will not say this out loud …But those players in that locker room might just like another shot at Utah .

UtahTrojan
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November 26, 2022 10:45 pm
Reply to  HOF19

I think they do. The only team to beat them. Especially under the circumstances that the referees set up.

San Diego Trojan
November 27, 2022 9:24 am
Reply to  HOF19

I feel a little bad for the Huskies, who under last years format, would have won the North division. Their turnaround, after also picking the right coach, was second only to SC.

HOF19
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November 26, 2022 9:48 pm

Chris Treviño
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Huge win in front of a STACKED recruit list

RialtoTrojan
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November 26, 2022 9:35 pm

After the game ended Caleb said a lot of right things. It got me wondering who would be coming back next year. It is refreshing to watch the Trojans execute trick plays with some success against Notre Dame in front of a national audience.
My only regret is that so many chances to fix things before this year went by without notice.
And finally it’s kinda heartwarming to see guys realize it was their last game in the building and they did well.