Notre Dame football vs. USC Trojans: 3 things to watch for in Week 8

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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 12: Kurt Hinish #41 and Jonathan Jones #45 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish sack Kedon Slovis #9 of the USC Trojans in the first half of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 12, 2019, in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football vs. USC Trojans: 3 things to watch for in Week 8

Gameplan for Slovis and London

Finally, we turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball, and the Irish have a tall task ahead of them this weekend in the combination of Kedon Slovis and Drake London. While Slovis’ first-round hype has died down a bit, he still is a playmaker, and London is one of the best pure wide receivers in the country.

For the season, London has hauled in 64 passes already, racking up over 800 yards and scoring five times. The Trojans’ offense has been able to put up points, but their defense has been atrocious at times, and have already allowed over 40 points to the opposition on numerous occasions this season.

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Braden Lenzy #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium on October 2, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Notre Dame football: Irish should have moved up in latest AP Poll

The Notre Dame football team stood pat at No. 14 in the AP Poll this week, but they should have at least move up a spot or two after their victory.

Notre Dame football is getting great play from Cam Hart at cornerback, and Kyle Hamilton at safety, and both will be tasked with shutting down the Trojans’ passing attack Saturday night. If they can neutralize London, they will be in excellent shape in this one, as Slovis has yet to put his trust in many other weapons along this USC offense.

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