USC Trojans visit the Notre Dame Fighting Irish

USC Trojans (3-3) at No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1)

Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN, at 4:30pm PT on NBC

THEMES
*USC takes a break from Pac-12 play and starts the second half of its regular season when it goes to No.
13 Notre Dame for the 92nd edition of the greatest intersectional rivalry in college football.
*The game is a battle between schools with glorious gridiron heritages. The winner gets year-long
possession of the jeweled Shillelagh. *Will form hold true for the Trojans, who are undefeated on the road this season (but struggle mightily at home) and who have gone W-L-W-L-W-L so far in 2021?
*The Trojans have lost only 7 of the past 18 contests with the Irish, but the losses all have been since 2010 (including in the past 3 meetings). Troy has dropped its last 4 games in South Bend.
*Historically, USC has held the upper hand against Notre Dame whenever either team is coming off a bye, and particularly in the rare instances (like this year) when both teams enter the game following an off week.
*This will be the seventh time since 1961 that USC goes to South Bend with 3 or more losses, but the
Trojans have won several of those games. *This is just the sixth Trojan night game at Notre Dame Stadium (2011 was the first) and also ties for the
latest USC-ND kickoff time ever.
*USC and Notre Dame did not play each other last season (due to COVID-19 scheduling limitations),
marking the first time since World War II that the rivals didn’t meet.
*The Trojans, with interim head coach Donte Williams at the helm, are looking to bounce back from
their first-ever Coliseum loss to Utah before the bye. USC features one of the nation’s best players in
All-American nominee WR Drake London, the leading candidate for the Biletnikoff Award. London’s astounding 64 receptions (many of the eye-popping variety) and 832 receiving yards are both second most
in the nation. The Trojan offense is directed by QB Kedon Slovis, a 68% career passer (above the USC record) who is in the school’s all-time Top 8 in completions and total offense. He is coming off a 400-yard
passing outing (his USC record fifth). TB Keaontay Ingram has emerged as the top ball carrier (he averages nearly 6 yards per carry) and he gets spelled productively by TBs Darwin Barlow and Vavae Malepeai (he has more than 1,700 career rushing yards). The USC defense features top tacklers in ILB Kana’i Mauga and S
Chase Williams, sack meister OLB Drake Jackson (10.5 career sacks) and emerging QB-chasing freshman
DL Korey Foreman, along with solid play from DLs Jacob Lichtenstein and Tuli Tuipulotu and S Isaiah PolaMao. Aussie P Ben Griffiths, in the national Top 20 in punting, had a 71-yard boot last game (the longest by a Trojan since 2002). PK Parker Lewis has missed just one field goal this season and most of his kickoffs
have been touchbacks.

Notre Dame rebounded from its first loss of 2021 (to Cincinnati at home) with a last-minute victory at Virginia Tech before its bye. The Irish have won their past 36 games against unranked opponents. Head coach Brian Kelly, in his 12th season at Notre Dame, recently became the winningest coach in school history. QB Jack Coan directs the Irish offense, with RB Kyren Williams topping a ground attack that averages less than 100 yards per outing and TE Michael Mayer (in the national Top 25 in receptions) the leading pass catcher. RB Chris Tyree has scored a TD this year rushing, receiving and returning kickoffs. ND’s defense is in the national Top 25 in interceptions, pass efficiency defense and turnover margin. Top tacklers include LB JD Bertrand, S Kyle Hamilton and DL Isaiah Foskey, who are Top 20 ranked nationally in tackles, interceptions and sacks, respectively. PK Jonathan Doerer’s late 48-yard field goal beat Virginia Tech.

Irish to Watch: Junior S Kyle Hamilton

The Notre Dame offense has been extremely inconsistent all season, rotating through three quarterbacks, but the Fighting Irish are still 5-1 thanks to a stout defense and some typical late game heroics. The defense is led by Hamilton, a 2020 First Team All-American, who started the 2021 season with a two-interception performance at Florida State. He will be keyed in on Kedon Slovis, looking to make the game-changing pick in South Bend.

Beware the Bye

Both teams come into this matchup well rested, coming off a bye week which allowed both coaching staffs to reassess things at the midway point of the season. Donte Williams used the extra time to get his team locked back in to the fundamentals of the game, hoping the Trojans can find some consistency, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Brian Kelly will have used the bye to sort out his offense, which ranks 87th in the country in yards per game. The Trojans will need to expect the unexpected as Kelly won’t be satisfied with what he’s seen so far.

Weakness vs. Weakness

USC’s biggest issue this season has been run defense, giving up 180 rush yards and 3 TDs to Utah last time out. Traditionally, that would spell doom against Notre Dame which perennially features one of the biggest and best offensive lines in the country. However, this Irish team is 118th nationally in rush offense, which should give the Trojans some hope that if they can hold up in the run game, Notre Dame does not have the quarterback play to shred USC’s secondary.

Early Offense

The USC offense is not nearly as bad as its critics suggest. The Trojans are No. 12 in the nation in passing and 30th nationally in total yards per game. The issues have been twofold. First, USC has kicked too many field goals in the red zone, leaving four points on the field each time. Second, the Trojans have played from behind so often that despite rushing for 4.5 yards per carry (the same number as Alabama), they end up giving up on the run in an effort to quickly chase points. To win in South Bend, USC will need to score touchdowns early and play from the lead.

Information provided from USC Athletic Department.

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San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 10:13 pm

To add to this bad day, the Dodger’s finally ran out of gas, and players. When Scherzer couldn’t go because of a dead arm, it was just one more thing. Really remarkable season when you lose so many players to injuries, down years, and availability. While I don’t like the Astros, I do like Dusty Baker, and would be happy for him if he won the series

Allen Wallace
CONTENT CREATOR
October 23, 2021 10:23 pm

Is Dusty a super sophisticated sign stealer? Isn’t that how the Astros beat the Dodgers when they last played in the Series?

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 10:38 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Ha! No, he wasn’t with the team in 2017. His Giants got beat by the Angels in 02, and he was Cubs manager during the Bartman interference in the playoffs, and had some good years in Cincinnati. A Bridesmaid but never a Bride. He was a great Dodger player and a good guy In my eyes.

TrojanRJJ
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October 23, 2021 10:00 pm

Bearing in mind that we all know this is a throw away year. I think we all expected this. What I still do not get is the pro sports writers not seeing this train wreck coming. Remember this 2021 SC team was a pre-season top 15 team on virtually every list. Except Stu Mandell’s! Great year though – we got rid of the Cat! And, to be honest, we got rid of this staff. The future is much brighter now than it has been at any time in the last 6 years!

Chris
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Chris
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October 23, 2021 8:34 pm

As we get closer to end of the season the coaching candidate talk should heat up, that’s what I’m looking forward to.

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 8:22 pm

Like others here have said, it’s not the losing, it’s the way we lose. It’s carbon copy almost every game. If Dart can play, if even Miller Moss is up to speed on the offense, Williams needs to see what we have. I feel bad for Slovis to a point, because it’s not all on him, but if Lincoln Riley can bench a preseason Heisman candidate in favor of a true freshman because he feels it gives him the best chance to win, then Donte needs to do the same. Tough decisions like this can make or break his future… Read more »

Allen Wallace
CONTENT CREATOR
October 23, 2021 8:44 pm

I think USC played about as good as it could with the players it chooses to play. The kids tried hard and racked up some yardage. Sloppy, undisciplined, weakly-coached play with typical red zone futility was the USC we all have come to love and expect. Thank goodness for Drake London. What a baller that guy is!

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 10:01 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

London this year, Hufanga last year. Two great Trojans who rose above it all to really standout and maximize their potential. Wish we could have given them a better send off

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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October 23, 2021 10:05 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I agree! I really think they need to bench Kedon. Donte will continue to play Kedon until Dart is ready physically or SC has been mathematically eliminated from PAC 12 South title. Feel it for Kedon – he has regressed every year under GH. I really like the two TX backs though!

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:49 pm

The next 5 weeks are going seem like an eternity.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:43 pm

Good night all. I will think about the Bush Push game and dream about when Trojan Football was relevant.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:40 pm

Looks like USC is done like a Christmas goose but the meat’s rotten and the trimming is moldy

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:42 pm
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Yum!

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:38 pm

We were never, ever in this game. Against our top rival. So little heart or guts. But they have enough energy to continue to trash talk when you are behind late in the game and make cheap shot penalties. No one on this staff needs retainment and i would like many of these players to seek other opportunities in the transfer portal…. These kids have been brain-damaged by Cat’s Culture.

Allen Wallace
CONTENT CREATOR
October 23, 2021 7:44 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Calling all USC players: transfer portal to your right, and yes, this includes you Slovis.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:37 pm

Slovis does not need to worry about being drafted.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:36 pm

Slovis SUCKS!

Allen Wallace
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October 23, 2021 7:37 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

He’s just horrible. I feel truly sorry for the guy. He can’t possibly declare for the Draft, can he?

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I guess he could, but he will not be drafted.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He doesn’t need to worry about going through the process of interviewing agents.

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 7:46 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I can’t see the new staff picking Slovis over Dart next year. If I were him I would transfer to another school to try to resurrect his career and draft status. Either he has completely regressed or is the product of this staff. Either way the best he could hope for is mid to late round or free agent, and only if he did well at the pro day and combine

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 8:09 pm

I can’t see a new staff wanting anything to do with the O line. I would tell them to transfer now.

Allen Wallace
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October 23, 2021 8:14 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Congrats on refusing to pick the Trojans today! I knew you had it in you !

RialtoTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:34 pm

It is not losing so much as how we are losing. Makes me wonder if there’s a football major in shooting yourselves in the foot? We have literally given this game away with stupid penalties. Sadly the next man up isn’t ready to play. It looks like Donte went to the Helton school of game management.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:30 pm

#49 is God aweful. No push off the line, no vision, and cannot get off a block to save his life. If I were ND I would run the ball off RT for the rest of the night.

Chris
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Chris
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October 23, 2021 7:32 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

He’s our best lineman and will be 1st or 2ns team all pac 12. He will also be in NFL. It must have been a bad series.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:34 pm
Reply to  Chris

Nope. He will not make it in the NFL. You’re thinking of out Outside LB #99 Drake Jackson.

Chris
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Chris
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October 23, 2021 7:36 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

No. It’s Tuli , he consistently grades out as our best lineman.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 30, 2021 4:45 pm
Reply to  Chris

He is not that great. His older brother was much better.

Allen Wallace
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October 23, 2021 7:29 pm

Let’s tack on another garbage time TD. Works for me.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:31 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Just change our name to Charmin.

Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:31 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Maybe Moss will get in

UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:28 pm

We are so soft it is pitiful.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:28 pm

Well that was easy. Way to make a stand Defense.

Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:30 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Defense??? We don’t need no stinkin defense

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:26 pm

No discipline. Game over.

Allen Wallace
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October 23, 2021 7:27 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Why do “warriors” need to be disciplined?

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:37 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

is that a Clayism? 😂

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:26 pm

stupid undisciplined players!

Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:29 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

Like you said, Helton culture remains.

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:26 pm

And……and we are STUPID again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:26 pm

Love the stupid penalties

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:25 pm

Well, we’re done if the Irish score here.

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:24 pm

Make up call for the interception

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:23 pm

Can anyone f**king teach how to wrap up and make a dam tackle????

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:23 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Not currently on this coaching staff .

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:23 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Apparently not.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:22 pm

Can’t tackle to save our lives.

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:22 pm

Missed tackles again

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:21 pm

Want to get really going ? …….Get a turnover USC Defense .

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:20 pm

Missed extra point ………………..

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:20 pm

Thats the Slovis we remember. Now one more score and its a game.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:19 pm

How do you miss an extra point that badly?

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:19 pm

Hmmm. getting interesting. Defense needs to hold. shat, missed extrapoint.

Chris
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Chris
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October 23, 2021 7:19 pm

What’s up with our kicker?

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:19 pm
Reply to  Chris

He needs to tackle/target somebody!

UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 7:20 pm
Reply to  Chris

He was coached by Hugs. He never had a chance.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:14 pm

Comeback? Really?

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:13 pm

So all we need is 14 and its a game

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:10 pm

This team has no heart.

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:11 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Helton culture.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:13 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Excluding Ingram & London.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:18 pm
Reply to  Trojan96

Also excluding Barlow. That kid is tough.

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:09 pm

We give up that 3rd down ……Not surprised !

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:09 pm

I was looking forward to the London-Kyle Hamilton match-up tonight. I had the pleasure of watching Kyle from the sidelines for 3-4 years at Marist School in Atlanta. Probably the best football player Marist school ever produced. Great kid. Hope his injury is not serious.

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 7:06 pm

I am sitting in my den ….Somewhat bummed out ….And Mr. Clay Helton is sitting on a beach somewhere sipping Champaign and collecting very large severance checks from USC …….It ain’t ………..IT JUST AIN’T FAIR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 7:05 pm

offense wakes up in garbage time again. Ingram has run hard all night

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:05 pm

we scoored. Yay.

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 7:01 pm

Our running backs accelerate like a concrete truck.

Steveg
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Steveg
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October 23, 2021 6:59 pm

#1 blocks like a girl

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 6:59 pm

Slovis has a sluggish look to his handoffs to RB’s .

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 6:58 pm

Figures that we allow ND to have their first non-close blowout of the season

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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October 23, 2021 7:02 pm

Its 2nd. They also blew out WI.

Trojan96
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Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 6:56 pm

Does anyone know if SC has scored 21 + points in the 4th quarter in the last 3 seasons?

Rushmore
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October 23, 2021 6:56 pm

Comeback time! That is, time to hop on a plane and come back to LA before it gets any worse.

San Diego Trojan
October 23, 2021 6:55 pm

Stupid defensive penalties that keep drives alive. Happens every game

Chris
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Chris
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October 23, 2021 6:55 pm

This game is just like all the others. Different Saturday and same stuff. I’m not even mad anymore.

ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 7:02 pm
Reply to  John Weld

That’s a good way to put it John. We just know the shat is going to hit the fan, it’s just a question of when. Plus we don’t have the perverse goal of getting Helton fired, that has already happened. It isn’t even fun watching London perform his magic.

Trojan96
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October 23, 2021 7:03 pm
Reply to  John Weld

Bingo. It’s sad that we don’t have any expectations.

Steveg
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October 23, 2021 6:57 pm
Reply to  Chris

Me either, it is what it is and we all expected it but hoped for better.

TrojanRJJ
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October 23, 2021 7:03 pm
Reply to  Chris

Chris, Not one of us picked SC to win. Our hope was to avoid a blow out!

Allen Wallace
CONTENT CREATOR
October 23, 2021 7:07 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

“We knew who we were.”

24-10 with 14:52 to go. I expect ND to score another TD at least one more time.

Beat the Wildcats! Entirely possible.

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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October 23, 2021 6:50 pm

linebackers and DBs are really bad at open field tackling….

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 6:45 pm

Feeling this ND possession is gonna be “Nail-in-the-coffin ” ?

TrojanRJJ
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October 23, 2021 6:57 pm
Reply to  HOF19

HOF, The nail in the coffin was the last series of the first half.

HOF19
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HOF19
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October 23, 2021 6:42 pm

Can we just fast-forward to January 2022 ??????????????

UtahTrojan
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October 23, 2021 6:37 pm

Somebody please tell Slovis we are down by 14. Throwing for negative two yards is not going to cut it.