The  Fighting Irish and USC Trojans prepare for the 81st edition to what I consider the greatest rivalry in College Football. A series that dates back to 1926. There have been some great and not so great games played over the years between these two teams.

Both teams have enjoyed playing spoiler to the other several times. Most recently, the 1999 game, when ND overcame a 21 point deficit to beat the Trojans in South Bend 25-24.

Then there was  the 1995 game, when the 17th ranked Fighting Irish held the #5 Trojans to a TD and an FG and won 38-10

I was just a lad when USC made “the comeback”, overcoming a 24 point deficit to beat up on the Irish 55-24.

But the one that stands out in my memory the most. The one that still has me waking up in the middle of the night.  The 2005 classic. The so called “Bush push game”. Leinhart to Jarrett on 4th and nine will haunt me forever.  USC scored the game winning TD, with seconds left on the clock.

The past four years haven’t been so kind. Being a Notre Dame fan and living in Southern California can be trying at times. I’m surrounded by USC fans and other miscreants. And I have that one neighbor that likes to come down and rub it in. He’s lucky I quit drinking whiskey.

Maybe I’m getting my hopes up too high. But I’m anticipating another classic this coming Saturday.

Jimmy Clausen is the #1 ranked passer in CFB at the moment. With 12 td’s, 2 int’s and over 1600 yards passing through 5 games. Leading an offense that’s averaging 470 yards and 32 points a game. ND’s defense has had their problems this season. Allowing  over 403 yards and 23 points a game.

USC has a defense that’s only allowing 8 points and just over 230 yards a game. A secondary that is yet to give up a passing td this season. A defense that’s pretty solid from top to bottom. And could cause major problems for the Irish. While the USC offense has been averaging  over 430 yards and almost 29 points a game.

This game will come down to the team that can control the ball and makes the fewest mistakes. Oh yeah, and the one that scores the most points.

Expect the crowd in South Bend to be wound up for this game, especially when the Fighting Irish come out of the tunnel wearing their Green Jerseys.

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