Now that Notre Dame has finished the first half of its season, it's time to turn attention to USC, which looks like it's the toughest team left on the schedule. What grabs the most attention of all is that it seems as though the Trojans will be without their top two running backs when the two programs lock horns on Saturday night.
After the Irish wrapped up another blowout win over North Carolina State, USC romped over Michigan on Saturday night. However, while Lincoln Riley's crew secured a big win, they didn't emerge unscathed. Both Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders exited the game with injuries.
USC enters game against Notre Dame football short two running backs
According to LA Times beat writer Ryan Kartje, Sanders is likely out for the season. While USC hasn't said that Jordan is also missing the whole year, he'll likely miss the game against Notre Dame.
Those are two big blows for a USC offense that has been the best in the Big Ten this season. The Trojans are not only leading the conference with 552 yards per game, but they have a 50-yard-per-game average lead on second-place Indiana. The Trojans are also second in the B1G in rushing with 226.5 yards per game.
All isn't lost for Lincoln Riley and Co.; Walk-on King Miller stepped up big time against Michigan. He carried the ball 18 times for 158 yards (8.8 YPC) and a touchdown. He'd logged 11 carries all year before last night. Miller had a fantastic game against Michigan, but that doesn't mean he's going to repeat the performance against Notre Dame next Saturday.
After a rough start to the season, the Irish have allowed just one touchdown each in their last two games. They've allowed just over 75 yards per game rushing.
USC's loss of two running backs doesn't guarantee that the Notre Dame football team will win next weekend, but it definitely shifts how things could shake out.