USC Trojans Face Notre Dame Amid Key Injury for Fighting Irish

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — The No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish will host the No. 20 USC Trojans on Saturday, October 18, at 7:30 p.m. ET at Notre Dame Stadium. This matchup comes as Notre Dame looks to continue its momentum after winning four straight games, despite a key injury to their offensive line.

Quarterback C.J. Carr has led the Fighting Irish’s potent offense, averaging 40.0 points per game, currently ranked 14th in the nation. However, necessary adjustments are being made due to the season-ending injury of starting center Ashton Craig, who suffered a right knee injury in a previous game against N.C. State.

With Craig sidelined, sophomore Joe Otting will step in as the starting center. Otting, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 308 pounds, is expected to sustain the momentum of the Fighting Irish’s offense. Coach Marcus Freeman expressed confidence in Otting’s abilities, noting he performed well in practice and handled his responsibilities effectively when called upon.

“Otting has been practicing well and in his opportunities has done a really good job,” Freeman said. “I have a lot of confidence in him.”

Otting will join an experienced offensive line that includes left guard Billy Schrauth and right tackle Aamil Wagner, both of whom played vital roles in Notre Dame’s success last season. Schrauth praised Otting’s adaptability following Craig’s injury, asserting that his calm demeanor helps maintain a steady performance in the trenches.

“He did well. He didn’t blink an eye,” Schrauth said. “He’s kind of a cool cat.”

The Fighting Irish’s offense also boasts a strong running game with two backs, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, each surpassing 400 rushing yards this season. Love has rushed for 530 yards and eight touchdowns, while Price has 422 yards and seven touchdowns.

As Notre Dame prepares for the challenge against the 5-1 USC Trojans, the team remains focused on building on their success and responding to adversity brought on by Craig’s injury.