Irish Breakdown

Live College Football Score Updates: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. USC Trojans

No. 5 Notre Dame needs a win over its biggest rival to secure a trip to the College Football Playoff

Nick Shepkowski

Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Nov 30, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) scores on a 1-yard touchdown run against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Notre Dame (10-1) is one win away from closing the regular season and gaining entry into the first 12-team College Football Playoff.

In order to do so though it first must get through USC (6-5) who may not have the best of records but has held a fourth quarter lead in all 11 games in 2024.

The most important thing is for Notre Dame to win but doing so with a little bit of style would go a long way in impressing the College Football Playoff committee enough to possibly pass Penn State in the rankings.

Obviously, that's secondary as just getting a win and finishing the regular season 11-1 is most important. In a day that has seen tight battles for significantly bigger favorites than Notre Dame is, the importance of simply winning can't be understated.

Check back here for game, scoring, and injury updates throughout the afternoon.

Notre Dame 42, USC 28: 2:00 left in 4Q

After getting picked on for large parts of the game, Notre Dame cornerback Christian Gray makes the play of the year, picking off a USC pass at the Notre Dame 2-yard line and running it back 98-yards for a touchdown to go up two scores.

It's not quite over yet as USC moves the ball quickly but the play of the year for the Irish as the College Football Playoff is now two minutes away.

Notre Dame 35, USC 28: 5:47 and counting left in 4th Quarter:

Notre Dame offense has stalled and clearly misses Jeremiyah Love. Not just his skill but also having multiple backs and keeping both him and Price fresh.

Notre Dame offense has stalled of late and could really use a turnover. USC seemingly has Notre Dame's number as they continue to target Christian Gray downfield.

Notre Dame 35, USC 21: Start of 4th Quarter

Through 45 of 60 scheduled minutes at Los Angeles Coliseum today I have good news and I have bad news for Notre Dame fans.

The bad news first: Notre Dame isn't playing particularly great, has lost star running back Jeremiyah Love for the rest of the game, and trails the turnover battle 2-0.

The good news: Notre Dame leads by 14. Put together a complete quarter here and get ready to host a College Football Playoff home game.

Notre Dame 28, USC 21: 3:08 Left in 3Q

Notre Dame was able to again pound the ball down the field, scoring another touchdown via Jadarian Price and finally makes another stop. Jeremiyah Love left the game with a knee injury and is yet to return which could be massive.

Not sure the thinking but after finally getting a stop of USC, Notre Dame tries to throw deep and Leonard is picked off to give the ball right back to the Trojans in favorable field position.

Up to the defense to make another stop as Notre Dame continues to do everything to keep USC in this game.

Notre Dame 21, USC 21: 9:06 Left in 3Q

And just like that USC strikes right back by attacking Christian Gray and getting the ball right down field. Notre Dame needs to get home on a blitz or sure up the secondary because the way this is headed, it may be a race to 45 or so this afternoon.

Notre Dame 21, USC 14: 12:33 Left in 3Q

Notre Dame comes out running to open the second half and strikes quickly. Jeremiyah Love breaks off a couple of nice runs before Jadarian Price breaks free for a touchdown run.

I assume we'll see USC come out throwing deeper down the field again. It's something nobody else has really tried whatsoever this year on Notre Dame and something that clearly showed big signs of success to close the first half.

Notre Dame 14, USC 14: Halftime

Jeremiyah Love puts on a show with his hurdle work and Riley Leonard finds Eli Raridon for a go-ahead touchdown but USC decides to come out throwing deep and moves the ball down the field quickly that way.

How much will that remain the game plan in the second half and how will Al Golden and company adjust? And can Notre Dame disguise a blitz? USC been able to pick those up with relative ease through a quarter.

Notre Dame 7, USC 7: 5:13 Left in 2Q

Momentum was clearly wearing USC colors as the Irish were stopped for a three-and-out, or so it seemed, right after the Trojans score. Another fake punt of epic levels picked Notre Dame up a first down and a fourth down was converted to a wide open Jordan Faison later in the possession.

Yet a missed field goal from just 27-yards out by Mitch Jeter leaves the score tied at seven. If you want to get upset at USC, the second quarter is exactly the script to doing it.

Notre Dame 7, USC 7: 12:07 Left in 2Q

USC takes advantage and punches in for a game-tying touchdown. Notre Dame flat-out dominated the first 15 minutes and then coughs up the ball and we're back to square one.

If USC is going to ruin Notre Dame's day then turnovers are going to play a major factor in doing so. Very curious to see how the Irish offense comes out this time as it feels Old Mo is headed to the USC sideline.

Notre Dame 7, USC 0: 14:37 Left in 2Q

Can USC beat Notre Dame today? If they can get the Irish to turn the ball over then yes. And that's exactly what happens on the first play of the second quarter as Jayden Thomas fumbles and easy pitch and catch from Leonard on what would have been a first down for the Irish.

Big of the defense to come up with a stop and keep the lead here and not give up seven. Stay tuned.

Notre Dame 7, USC 0: End of 1st Quarter

Notre Dame has the ball and although its early, feels like it has a chance to put big time pressure on USC here. The Irish moved the ball at will in their first possession.

The most telling stat to me through the first quarter:

Notre Dame has run 14 plays, all of which gained at least one yard.

Meanwhile USC has had five plays of no gain or a loss of yardage.

Notre Dame 7, USC 0: 2:23 left in 1Q

An opening drive from USC showed promise but Christian Gray made a handful of plays to stop the Trojans. For Notre Dame's first offensive drive, a will was established as the Irish ran the ball straight down USC's throats for the opening score, which was Jeremiyah Love's 12-straight game with a touchdown run.

Injury Note: USC running back Woody Marks, who is averaging over 5-yards per carry early and already has 33 rushing yards on the day, left the field holding his head. We will be on the lookout for any developments here.

Notre Dame Kicking Observations

A lot of talk has been made of Notre Dame kicker Mitch Jeter and the hip injury he's been battling through. After missing two field goals last week, Jeter appears to be looking stronger in warmups today as he's hit from 55-yards out.

Notre Dame Football Pregame Injury Updates

Notre Dame defensive tackle Howard Cross has been warming up for the game, although those in attendance have noted he doesn't look anywhere near 100%. That said, it appears he'll still try and give it a go this afternoon.

Notre Dame Uniform Choice

It appears Notre Dame will go with an alternate look against USC as the Irish have come out for warmups in white pants.

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Nick Shepkowski
NICK SHEPKOWSKI

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