Poetic Justice: Notre Dame's Defense Dominates to Secure College Football Playoff Spot

Notre Dame's defense delivered big plays against USC to clinch a CFP berth, silencing critics with a statement win.

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback Christian Gray (29) blocks a pass intended for Southern California Trojans wide receiver Duce Robinson (2) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Notre Dame had a tough day at the office against the athletic Trojans

Even in years when USC isn't nationally competitive, the Trojan program has lots of talent and athleticism that makes them quite dangerous to face off with.

This is a lesson Notre Dame learned the hard way Saturday in LA as USC fought hard in a major upset bid that ultimately fell short as the Irish outlasted USC 49-35 to lock up a hosting CFP position.

USC was able to test Notre Dame in ways athletically that most, if not all, of the teams the Irish had beaten on their nine-game winning streak heading into this showdown were not capable of.

The Trojans had 360 yards passing and just under 200 rushing, which are much bigger numbers than the Notre Dame defense is used to surrendering, as were the 35 points allowed.

Despite some frustrating plays and series, when it came down to crunch time, the heartbeat of the Irish program did what it's been doing all year.

It made game-winning plays.

Xavier Watts’ story remains an all-time favorite of mine.

Special human being.

Deserves everything that comes is way because he’s earned it every step of the way.

🤝 @xavierwatts6 pic.twitter.com/AnI9i7iLgM

— Tom Loy (@TomLoy247) December 1, 2024

Redemption is sweet for Irish secondary

Christian Gray did not have a sparkling afternoon. He was picked on incessantly by Trojan QB Maiava in the passing game and was called for multiple penalties. But, just like this Irish defense as a whole always does, he kept fighting.

His reward for continuing to battle?

A pick-six when it matters most to help seal the game. Gray's redemption story Saturday mirrors the overall Irish team's story this season from CFP outsider week two to a top five ranked hosting playoff team at the end of the year.

Not to be outdone, Xavier Watts added a late pick-six on behalf of the cause to ultimately put this game out of reach. Watts' journey from an offensive player looking to fit in, to one of the best defensive players in the country multiple years in a row is an amazing success story.

This defense and this team play for each other and play for their coaches. It's great to see all of the hard work be rewarded.

For more Irish news & notes follow John on Twitter @alwaysirishINC, Always Irish on Youtube and or your preferred audio podcast provider.

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