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Notre Dame football: 3 Keys to victory against USC Trojans in Week 8

By Brad Weiss

Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 200
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Jack Coan (17) throws a pass in the first half of the NCAA football game between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind.Cincinnati Bearcats At Notre Dame Fighting Irish 200 /
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Oct 2, 2021; Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Drake Jackson (99) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Brendon Lewis (12) in the third quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Boulder, Colorado, USA; USC Trojans linebacker Drake Jackson (99) sacks Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Brendon Lewis (12) in the third quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Notre Dame football: 3 Keys to victory against USC Trojans in Week 8

Neutralizing Drake Jackson

The USC Trojans defense has been downright bad this season, as they have allowed 40-plus points to Stanford, Oregon State, and Utah. Despite that, there are some players on that side of the ball that are worth noting, including Drake Jackson, a dominant edge rusher for the Trojans who could be ticketed for the first round.

Through the first six games of the season, Jackson has gotten to the quarterback three times, but his impact goes beyond the box score. He will be going up against Joe Alt in this one, a left tackle who used to be a tight end, and one making his second collegiate start at the position, so Jackson should have the advantage.

Any defensive coach can see that the Irish have struggled up front along the offensive line this season, and with Jackson, the Trojans should be able to find matchups that he can certainly win. USC may not be a juggernaut on defense, but if Jackson can run wild against this Irish offensive line, it could make for a long day for whoever the quarterback is on Saturday night.

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