USC Trojans Reveal Key To Upsetting Notre Dame: Stop The Run

Preview for USC Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish. USC Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith has helped lead the Trojans back into bowl contention with a decisive 19-13 win over UCLA. As USC gets ready for Notre Dame, Smith says that the Trojans will need to be physical in order to win.

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard (13) hands the ball off to running back Jeremiyah Love (4) during a NCAA college football game against Virginia at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend. / MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

USC Trojans defensive back Jaylin Smith has been a four-year contributor for the Trojans' defensive back unit. In his final season with USC, Smith moved primarily to cornerback under the orders of first-year defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn. He has broken out with a career-high of two interceptions and two pass deflections so far through 11 games.

During his media availability session on Wednesday, Smith said that he believes it's his physicality that stands out among his peers.

"I take pride in physcality for sure, I want to make sure that's key. Getting guys on the ground, making the tackle, securing the tackle that's for sure," Smith said. "Just making sure I'm honed into different techniques as far as physicality."

Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith (2) intercepts a pass intended for Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Isaiah Neyor (18) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

The Trojans were facing a serious scare in terms of bowl eligibility as they were sitting with a 4-5 record with three games left in the season. USC managed to rattle off consecutive wins to jump to a 6-5 record and reach bowl eligibility. Smith said that USC head coach Lincoln Riley and staff didn't scare the team by forcing any pressure on them.

"(There's) not really any pressure. I think our guys do a good job and our coaches do a good job of coming in everyday, giving us the game plan and getting us ready for a new week," Smith said.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans cornerback Jaylin Smith (2) pursues a play on defense against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Smith added that the plan for USC to stop Notre Dame is simple enough.

Stop the run.

Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has rushed for 850 yards on 121 carries for 14 touchdowns this season. During the game between the two storied programs last year, the Fighting Irish ran for 125 yards and two touchdowns en route to their 48-20 win over USC.

"Like everyday, going in, we gotta secure tackles. Get guys on the ground, eliminate the run game...it's key going into every game is to get guys on the ground for sure," Smith said.

USC will take on Notre Dame in the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on CBS and kickoff is at 12:30 p.m.

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