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

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Notre Dame football star Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah

Oct 12, 2019; South Bend, IN, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis (9) is sacked by Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive back Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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

Get pressure on Kedon Slovis

Turning our attention to the Notre Dame football team on the defensive side of the ball, they have to make life uncomfortable for quarterback Kedon Slovis. There have been times during his career where Slovis has looked like the best signal-caller in the PAC-12, but he has had his struggles this season, as the Trojans offense has looked shaky at times.

Against USC, Notre Dame’s defense needs to be strong in the interior, as well as on the outside, freeing Isaiah Foskey up to do some more damage. Foskey is one of the best edge rushers in the country this season, and he should be able to get to Slovis early and often in this one, disrupting the passing game for USC.

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is seen before the game against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

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We have already spoken as to how special Drake London is, and it is no big secret that Slovis is going to look to him whenever he can. If they can get in Slovis’s face, and blanket London as best they can, USC will be forced to lean on the ground game, and while Keaontay Ingram has talent, rushing for nearly six yards per carry, USC’s fortunes rest on the right arm of Slovis.

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