Notre Dame Triumphs Over USC 34-24 in Riveting Showdown

In a highly anticipated clash, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the USC Trojans 34-24 on October 18, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana. This victory not only extended Notre Dame’s winning streak against USC to three consecutive games but also solidified their hopes for a berth in the College Football Playoff.

The match showcased a blend of resilience and struggle for Notre Dame. While the team emerged victorious, they left several scoring opportunities on the field, revealing areas that require improvement. Notably, despite a commendable performance from USC, which kept the game competitive, Notre Dame’s defense stepped up when it mattered most, especially in the latter stages of the game.

Defensive Standouts and Key Plays

Despite criticisms earlier in the season regarding defensive coordinator Chris Ash, Notre Dame’s defense demonstrated significant improvement. Late in the third quarter, with USC leading 24-21, Jadarian Price electrified the crowd by returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, turning the momentum in favor of the Fighting Irish. Following this pivotal play, USC’s offense faltered, managing only 85 yards in their final four possessions, two of which ended in interceptions.

Key defensive contributions came from players like cornerback Dallas Golden and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who both made crucial stops during critical moments. Their efforts were instrumental in stifling USC’s attempts to regain control of the game.

Record-Setting Rushing Performance

On the offensive side, Jeremiyah Love made history by rushing for an impressive 228 yards, marking the highest single-game rushing total for any Notre Dame player at Notre Dame Stadium since its opening in 1930. This performance underscored the effectiveness of the Irish’s run game, contrasting sharply with USC’s struggles on the ground, where they managed only 68 rushing yards throughout the game.

Interestingly, Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr faced significant pressure throughout the match. USC’s strategy focused on limiting Carr’s passing opportunities, resulting in him attempting few deep shots. Carr notably did not complete a pass longer than 15 yards, a surprising statistic considering his average of over 15 yards per completion prior to this game.

Officiating Challenges and Areas for Improvement

As is often the case in high-stakes games, officiating drew its share of criticism from fans and analysts alike. Some calls, particularly those related to pass interference, seemed overly stringent and added to the frustrations of the Notre Dame crowd. While officiating has been a contentious issue across football, this game highlighted the need for Notre Dame to improve their discipline to avoid penalties that could hinder their playoff aspirations.

Another area of concern was Notre Dame’s performance on third and fourth downs. The team converted only four of thirteen opportunities, leaving potential points unscored. As they move forward in the season, addressing these shortcomings will be crucial for Notre Dame to enhance their competitiveness against future opponents.

The victory against USC not only boosts Notre Dame’s confidence but also keeps their championship dreams alive. With a record of 5-2, the Fighting Irish will look to build on this momentum in the coming weeks as they aim for a successful finish to the regular season.

As the football season progresses, the stakes will continue to rise, and Notre Dame’s ability to refine their game will be essential for their aspirations of contending for the national title.