O/NSO: Notre Dame edition
The Obvious: Although the unranked USC Trojans (3-3, 2-3 Pac-12 South) and the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5-1) aren’t realistically fighting for consideration for the post-season College Football Playoff due to diverse explanations, Saturday night’s game in South Bend (4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 ET), the 92nd meeting between these two storied adversaries, still figures to be intense, which should provide the type of drama that only such a long and historic national rivalry can bring. The Not So Obvious: Despite the disappointingly moribund first half of the season for the Trojans and the under dominating performances of the Fighting Irish in a number of close call victories, Saturday’s game won’t be without goals for both teams. For the Trojans, a victory would certainly rejuvenate their season, provide a huge confidence boost, and return some luster to a sleeping giant. For the Irish, a win would be an opportunity to take out their seasonal frustrations on national television over their acknowledged rival, restore some shine upon the Golden Dome, maintain the delusional hope of a post-season CFP appearance. Keep in mind, the Irish have won three consecutive games against Troy, and four in a row in Notre Dame Stadium.
