Know Your Notre Dame Football Enemy: The USC Trojans
By J.P. Scott
The Notre Dame football team will finish off the 2018 season with a trip to L.A. to face the Trojans.
We are taking a look at all 12 teams on the 2018 Notre Dame football schedule with the intent of familiarizing you with what the Irish are up against.
Next up: The USC Trojans
2017 Synopsis
It was another double-digit win season for Clay Helton’s bunch, but a disappointment for many of the Trojan faithful. A lot of people thought USC would be in the college football playoff hunt, but losses to Washington State and Notre Dame before the end of October derailed that scenario. The Trojans finished with an 11-3 record, losing to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.
Who did they lose?
Losing quarterback Sam Darnold is going to set the Trojans back any way you cut it. Additionally, they lost elite playmaker Ronald Jones II at running back and leading receiver Deontay Burnett.
Up front, they’ll be without offensive linemen Viane Talamaivao and Nico Falah.
Defensively, they lost two of the better front-seven players in the country in linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and defensive end Rasheem Green. They also lost a solid safety in Chris Hawkins.
Who do they return?
For starters, they return four offensive lineman with starting experience — but that unit was a weakness in 2017. Receiver Tyler Vaughns — who caught 57 balls for 809 yards and five scores is back as their top downfield threat.
On defense, linebacker Cameron Smith is one of the very best at the position in the country. He’ll lead a defense loaded with experience in the back seven but very green up front. Safety Marvell Tell has the ability to cause problems against the run.
Why should Notre Dame be worried?
USC’s linebackers and secondary could be a handful, especially if the young defensive line can come together and grow throughout the year. Additionally, the Trojans have not lost at home under Clay Helton since he assumed the role of permanent head coach back in 2015. Suffice to say, USC is tough to beat in The Coliseum.
Why should Notre Dame not be worried?
There’s no reason the Irish defense should not be able to completely man-handle the Trojan offense. Notre Dame has the advantage in both talent and experience. Barring a number of catastrophic injuries, that should still be the case come late November. The Trojans are going to have a hard time scoring many points. Notre Dame’s offense shouldn’t have any issues outscoring them.
Key Player for USC
The offensive line — As always, the Trojans are going to be talented. If the offensive line can grow and improve throughout the season, they could give those talented skill players time to do damage and turn this into a game.
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Key Player for Notre Dame
Julian Love — His ability to lock down half the field and take away USC’s top receiver — regardless of who that ends up being — will be instrumental in the quest to completely shut down the Trojan offense.