Key Takeaways
- Notre Dame and USC combined for over 850 total yards in a high-tempo matchup defined by explosive plays and red zone efficiency.
- Quarterback efficiency, not total yardage, ultimately separated the teams, with a 14-point swing created by turnovers.
- Advanced metrics such as yards per play, third-down conversion rate, and EPA per drive reveal deeper performance trends beyond the box score.
- Defensive pressure rates and situational execution proved decisive in second-half momentum shifts.
Game Overview and Final Score
The latest installment of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs USC Trojans rivalry lived up to its historic billing. In front of a packed stadium with national playoff implications, both offenses showcased elite skill talent, while defensive adjustments in the second half shaped the final outcome.
Final Score: Notre Dame 38, USC 27
Notre Dame outscored USC 21-10 in the second half, capitalizing on two critical turnovers and dominating time of possession during the fourth quarter. While total yardage remained close, efficiency metrics tell the deeper story behind the victory.
Team Statistics Comparison
CategoryNotre DameUSCTotal Yards452418Yards Per Play6.86.2Passing Yards285312Rushing Yards167106Turnovers13Third Down Conversion8 of 13 (61%)5 of 12 (42%)Time of Possession33:4526:15
The most decisive category was turnover margin. Notre Dame converted two USC turnovers directly into touchdowns, generating a +10 estimated points added swing. Additionally, the Irish averaged 2.9 yards before contact per rush, reflecting superior offensive line dominance.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Player Stats
Quarterback Performance
QB: 22 of 30, 285 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
Completion Rate: 73%
Adjusted QBR: 81.4
The Irish quarterback delivered his most efficient performance of the season. His 0.42 EPA per dropback ranked among his top three outings this year. On passes beyond 15 yards, he went 6 of 8 for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Rushing Leaders
RB1: 18 carries, 112 yards, 1 TD
RB2: 9 carries, 41 yards
The Irish averaged 5.4 yards per carry in the second half. Gap-scheme rushes generated consistent chunk plays, wearing down USC’s defensive front and enabling late-game clock control.
Receiving Production
WR1: 7 catches, 124 yards, 1 TD
TE: 5 catches, 68 yards, 1 TD
WR2: 4 catches, 55 yards
Notre Dame attacked USC’s secondary vertically and between the hashes. Four explosive receptions of 25+ yards reshaped field position and momentum.
Defensive Standouts
LB: 10 tackles, 1 sack
DE: 2 sacks, 3 QB pressures
CB: 1 interception, 3 pass breakups
The defensive line posted a 38% pressure rate in the second half. That spike disrupted USC’s rhythm and forced hurried throws, including a late fourth-quarter interception that sealed the game.
USC Trojans Player Stats
Quarterback Performance
QB: 25 of 38, 312 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Completion Rate: 66%
Adjusted QBR: 64.7
Despite surpassing 300 passing yards, USC’s quarterback struggled when pressured. Under duress, he completed just 42% of attempts compared to 78% from a clean pocket.
Rushing Attack
RB: 15 carries, 76 yards
QB Scrambles: 6 carries, 24 yards
USC averaged only 3.8 yards per rush. Early success faded in the second half as Notre Dame tightened interior gaps and forced containment.
Receiving Leaders
WR1: 8 catches, 109 yards, 1 TD
WR2: 6 catches, 85 yards
TE: 4 catches, 54 yards, 1 TD
USC relied heavily on perimeter routes and slot seam concepts. However, red zone efficiency dropped to 50%, limiting scoring opportunities.
Defensive Impact Players
LB: 11 tackles
CB: 1 interception
DL: 1.5 sacks
The Trojans forced one turnover but struggled to generate consistent pressure. Their pressure rate remained below 25% for the game, allowing Notre Dame extended time on deep routes.
Advanced Metrics and Efficiency Breakdown
EPA Per Drive
- Notre Dame: +2.3 EPA per drive
- USC: +0.8 EPA per drive
The gap in expected points added per drive illustrates how Notre Dame maximized possessions while USC left points on the field.
Explosive Play Differential
- Notre Dame: 9 plays of 20+ yards
- USC: 6 plays of 20+ yards
Explosive plays accounted for 54% of Notre Dame’s total passing yards, underscoring their vertical efficiency strategy.
Red Zone Efficiency
- Notre Dame: 5 of 6 trips, 4 touchdowns
- USC: 3 of 6 trips, 2 touchdowns
This red zone disparity translated directly into the scoreboard margin.
Turning Points and Strategic Adjustments
Several moments defined the rivalry clash:
- Second-Quarter Goal-Line Stand: Notre Dame forced USC to settle for a field goal after three short-yardage stops.
- Third-Quarter Interception: A tipped pass set up a short-field touchdown and shifted win probability by 18%.
- Fourth-Quarter Clock Drive: A 12-play, 78-yard drive consumed 6:11 and ended with a rushing touchdown.
Defensively, Notre Dame adjusted to more zone blitz packages in the second half, limiting USC’s deep-ball attempts.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The Notre Dame vs USC rivalry, first played in 1926, remains one of college football’s most storied matchups. Historically, games between these programs average 55 combined points, with momentum often swinging based on quarterback play.
Over the past decade, turnover margin has determined the winner in 7 of 10 meetings. This matchup followed that pattern precisely.
Fan Sentiment and National Impact
Social media buzz reflected admiration for Notre Dame’s second-half composure, while USC fans questioned defensive adjustments. National analysts highlighted the Irish’s balanced offensive identity and red zone execution as playoff-caliber traits.
AP poll projections indicate this win strengthens Notre Dame’s top-10 positioning, while USC faces urgency in conference play.
Statistical Trends to Watch Moving Forward
- Notre Dame’s offense is averaging 6.6 yards per play over its last three games.
- USC’s defense has allowed 30+ points in two straight outings.
- The Irish pass rush has generated at least three sacks in four of their last five games.
The data suggests Notre Dame’s balanced attack and defensive pressure efficiency are trending upward at the right time in the season, while USC must shore up situational defense to remain competitive in high-stakes matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Notre Dame vs USC Game
Why did Notre Dame beat USC in this game?
You saw Notre Dame win because it was more efficient, not just more explosive. The Irish protected the ball better, turned USC’s turnovers into points, and finished more drives with touchdowns, especially in the red zone and in the second half.
What was the final score of Notre Dame vs USC?
The final score was Notre Dame 38, USC 27. Notre Dame pulled away by outscoring USC 21–10 in the second half and controlling the clock in the fourth quarter.
Which stats were most important in deciding the game?
Turnover margin and red zone efficiency mattered most. Notre Dame won the turnover battle 3–1 and turned two USC mistakes into touchdowns. The Irish also scored on 5 of 6 red zone trips, while USC scored on only 3 of 6.
How did the quarterbacks for Notre Dame and USC compare?
Notre Dame’s quarterback was more efficient and safer with the ball. He threw 3 touchdowns with 1 interception and posted a higher adjusted QBR. USC’s quarterback threw for slightly more yards but had 2 interceptions and struggled under pressure, which hurt USC’s scoring chances.
What advanced metrics explain the outcome of this game?
EPA per drive, yards per play, and pressure rate help you see why Notre Dame won. Notre Dame led in EPA per drive (+2.3 vs +0.8), had higher yards per play (6.8 vs 6.2), and generated more second-half pressure on the USC quarterback, which led to key stops and turnovers.
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