The Irish enter Saturday’s Southern California game ranked No. 9. They’re 4-1, and No. 7 Miami is the only one-loss team ranked higher. A victory over the top-ranked Trojans, winners of 27 in a row, almost certainly would vault Notre Dame into the top five.
A win also would help the Irish reclaim their standing against an opponent that has beaten them by 31 points in each of the last three years.
USC will be looking to set a school record with its 13th consecutive road victory, and Notre Dame never has beaten the Trojans when USC has been ranked No. 1.
That said, the Irish have a few positives on their side.
Since 1984, they’re 26-4 coming out of an off week. The Irish have won nine of their last 11 meetings with USC at Notre Dame Stadium. And USC has exhibited some vulnerability early in its last two games. The Trojans trailed Oregon 13-10 and Arizona State 21-3 at halftime.
So all Notre Dame has to do is jump out to an early lead and not let up. Of course, that may be easier said than done. The Trojans wound up beating Oregon by 32 and Arizona State by 10.
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Next: Saturday vs. Southern California, 2:30 p.m., WMAQ-Ch. 5