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Notre Dame Football: Top 10 Wins Of The Brian Kelly Era

By Chase Eyrich

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leaves the field after a game against the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish won 49-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 02: Head coach Brian Kelly of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish leaves the field after a game against the Temple Owls at Notre Dame Stadium on September 2, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. The Irish won 49-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 21: Kevin Stepherson #29 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gets tackled by John Houston Jr. #10 and Jack Jones #25 of the USC Trojans in the first quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 21: Kevin Stepherson #29 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish gets tackled by John Houston Jr. #10 and Jack Jones #25 of the USC Trojans in the first quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

No. 7: USC, 2017

At the time it was clear, Notre Dame vs. USC was a potential play-in game for the playoffs. The season was on the line for both programs and it was clear which team was better this time around.

Coming in as underdogs and one loss on the season, Notre Dame played with a chip on their shoulders. There wasn’t a better argument for Notre Dame to make the playoffs than after this dominant performance over USC.

From both sides of the ball, this was probably the best game the Irish played that season. It wasn’t long after kick off before Notre Dame had put this one away.

From balanced receiving, aggressive defense and a Heisman hopeful performance from Josh Adams, there wasn’t much USC could do.

Equanimeous St. Brown got things going early with a 26-yard touchdown reception to open up the floodgates for Notre Dame. Kevin Stepherson followed him into the end zone later in the first quarter to put the Irish up 14-0. Stepherson would lead Notre Dame’s receivers with just three receptions for 58-yards and a touchdown.

It was on the ground that Notre Dame dominated. Josh Adams ran for 191 yards, averaging just over ten yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns. Yes, Adams outscored USC by himself.

Staying on the ground, Brandon Wimbush racked up 106 yards on 14 carries. Wimbush accounted for four touchdowns between his feet and arm.

Besides the tremendous offense Notre Dame had that day, the defense that shined as well. Tevon Coney and Drew Tranquill showed once again why the Irish faithful should be excited about next season with their performances. The Irish forced three turnovers on their way to dismantling the Trojans. Irish win 49-14.

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