Notre Dame: The play that changed everything vs. USC

Notre Dame found a way to get the job done in a 30-27 victory over USC.

Notre Dame vs. USC is a rivalry that has changed the college football landscape with its intersectional play. Saturday marked the 91st meeting between the two programs, which came with 155 plays — all filled with animosity. Only one, however, changed everything.

When you think of going on “runs”, that is normally a reference to basketball. But during the second week of October in South Bend, football and the hatred for USC is the only thing on anyone’s mind.

The Irish and Trojans provided us a game of runs, as quarter-for-quarter the leverage shifted.

Just when it looked like Notre Dame would run away with the game as Jonathan Doerer put a 52-yard field goal attempt right in between the uprights for a 17-point lead, the Trojans put together a run of their own.

USC would eventually close the gap to three as the Irish tried to hold onto their lead.

That’s when strategy trumped. Scoring was the top priority, but clock management was a close second. The next Irish drive was the longest of the night, lasting 14 plays and taking almost seven minutes off of the clock.

Time was running about as well as Notre Dame was rushing the ball. The Irish rushed for 308 yards, led by Tony Jones Jr. But it was Ian Book who put the team on his back, carrying them to victory.

The Irish quarterback tucked the ball as he hit the right side gap. But the play that would have ended at the 16-yard line instead was called back for an illegal block, making it 1st and 21 at the 41-yard line.

Book came up grimacing as he walked gingerly to the huddle. Two plays later the Irish were able to get back to the original line of scrimmage. 3rd and 10 with five minutes to go, a field goal wouldn’t be enough to swing the leverage back in Notre Dame’s favor.

Taking the snap, the pocket quickly squeezed tighter, forcing Book forward. The team captain then rolled out to the left, earning the edge, and wasn’t met until he ran out of bounce at the 13-yard line.

Two plays later, Book would take it to the end zone himself to give the Irish the cushion they needed for their third straight victory over the Trojans.