Notre Dame Football: Top home games of the last 50 years

Notre Dame Football: Top home games of the last 50 years

1977: Notre Dame 49 USC 19

It wasn’t the first time Notre Dame had ever worn green uniforms, but as the Irish team poured out of the tunnel around a Trojan War Horse, it became clear this time was special. Notre Dame had stagnated in the polls at No. 11 after a Week 2 loss to unranked Ole Miss.

USC, meanwhile, was ranked at No. 5 after a lone loss against 7th ranked Alabama. To make this game even more special, the Trojans had won the Rose Bowl and beaten Notre Dame the season before.

Dan Devine saw the meeting as the perfect time to break out the green jerseys, which he’d wanted to since he arrived at Notre Dame, in a call back to the great Frank Leahy era teams. It became one of the most iconic games in the history of the most iconic college football program.

USC never stood a chance.

The atmosphere was as good an atmosphere as any Notre Dame crowd has ever produced. The players had all the momentum in the world and were ready to run through the Men of Troy.

Joe Montana, who struggled with his consistency, relied on Ken MacAfee on offense. MacAfee, who is often regarded as the best tight end in school history, had two touchdowns on the day, and Montana would also run for two touchdowns.

Add a punt blocked by Bob Golic that got returned for a touchdown and the rout was on. USC didn’t help themselves either, seeming to turn the ball over as often as they converted a first down.

The game itself wasn’t great, as it was a fun win over a rival, but it was a blowout. However, it is one of the iconic moments in program history, and it propelled them towards the 1977 National Championship.