WATCH: Notre Dame releases hype video ahead of USC rivalry game

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish haven’t gotten off to the start they had hoped for in the this season, but there’s still plenty of big games left on the slate, including this weekend’s matchup against one of their rivals, the USC Trojans.

Check out the hype video Notre Dame released ahead of the USC game.

it’s 𝐮𝐬 versus them#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/H4HakNxrjX

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 22, 2021

Kedon Slovis

The interesting thing ahead of Saturday’s matchup has been that Notre Dame had been preparing for two quarterbacks all week during practice, as USC head coach Donte Williams refused to explicitly name a starting quarterback on Thursday when he was asked by reporters.

However, it is important to note that as of Thursday, USC freshman quarterback Jaxson Dart had not received medical clearance from doctors. Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly said he expects to see Kedon Slovis under center for the Trojans in the game.

Trojan fans were clinging to hope that freshman phenom Jaxson Dart could possibly play. Those hopes, at this point, seem to be extinguished.

The talented freshman signal-caller came in to relieve an injured Kedon Slovis in the Washington State game and immediately ignited a quarterback controversy with an incredible performance.

Dart underwent meniscus surgery after he carved up the Washington State secondary for 391 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions in a 45-14 victory. He’s been out recovering from his surgery since the game and appears to be close to returning to the field. He’s just not fully recovered just yet.

USC head coach Donte Williams has said that Dart is currently “day-to-day.” The freshman phenom was ranked as the third best quarterback in the class of 2021 rankings, according to On3. The Utah native was also rated as the No. 6 overall prospect in the class of 2021, according to On3.

Kyle Hamilton

One player the Fighting Irish defense will be counting on Saturday is their standout safety, Kyle Hamilton, who has established himself as one of the best players in America, regardless of position.

Notre Dame will be looking for him to defend one of the best athletes in the nation in USC receiver, Drake London. Hamilton has already snatched three interceptions this season, and he’s rapidly climbing up NFL Draft boards.

Kyle Hamilton. AP Midseason All-America First Team.#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/hCGGtnVux5

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) October 19, 2021

Notre Dame fans hope Hamilton can continue to wreak havoc on Saturday against the USC offense.