USC and Notre Dame Renew Historic Rivalry in South Bend

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The storied rivalry between the University of Southern California (USC) and Notre Dame will continue Saturday evening as the Trojans face off against the Fighting Irish for the 96th time.

Notre Dame leads the series with a record of 52-38-5. Over the years, momentum has ebbed and flowed between the two sides. The Irish have triumphed in nine of the last twelve meetings and are favored again this year. However, this match holds added weight as future games between the rivals are uncertain.

Head coach Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame expressed a desire to maintain this important tradition. “Hopefully, we can continue this great rivalry,” said Freeman. “It’s great for college football.”

USC coach Lincoln Riley echoed those sentiments, affirming his commitment to the rivalry while focusing on his team’s performance. “Do I want to play the game? Hell yeah, I want to play the game,” he stated during Big Ten media days.

This match-up goes beyond regional pride; it has national implications given the competitive nature of college football. The teams first met in the mid-1920s, with their encounters often provoking excitement and unpredictability.

Historically, this rivalry has produced many unforgettable moments, such as Notre Dame’s stunning upset over USC in 1964 and the infamous “Bush Push” game in 2005 when USC’s Reggie Bush pushed quarterback Matt Leinart across the goal line for a crucial touchdown.

That game, filled with tension and historical significance, remains a defining event in college football lore. However, the future is in jeopardy unless both schools can agree to continue meeting. Freeman lamented, “The series should not end for embarrassing reasons.”

As the teams prepare for this clash, the spotlight is on the players to deliver a memorable performance. The outcome is essential not just for bragging rights but for the potential continuation of this historic rivalry.

With a packed stadium and passionate fans expected, all eyes will be on South Bend as Notre Dame and USC face each other once again, perhaps for the last time for now.