Nov 16, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley greets quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Notre Dame vs USC: Why the Trojans Are Tough to Gauge in 2024

Originally posted on Notre Dame Fighting Irish on SI
By John Kennedy | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 2:50 PM ET

USC has had a rude welcome to Big 10 play

USC's first season as a Big Ten member has been an arduous and rocky journey.

Entering the last week of the season, the Trojans have tallied five conference losses. The toughest stretch for Lincoln Riley in his third year in LA was a three-game leg that saw USC lose road games to Minnesota and Maryland with a home loss to Penn State in between.

USC has come to realize the hard way that a Big Ten schedule is much tougher week to week than the old Pac-12 schedules were. Add in rigorous travel and some late-season weather the Trojans aren't accustomed to and you have yourself a beast of a first year in a new conference.

Two of college footballs most storied programs renew their rivalry Saturday when Notre Dame and USC face off.

First meeting: 1926

Series Record: Notre Dame 49-37-5

Notre Dame visits the Coliseum as a 7.5 point favorite. Who wins this years battle and what will the score be? pic.twitter.com/AFIqTbhcrE
— College Football Live (@CollegeFBonX) November 26, 2024

USC's five loss record does come with nuance

While nobody within the USC program is happy or satisfied with a five-loss season, there are some interesting details to consider that make the Trojans a tough team to get a read on. In true Hollywood fashion, reality sometimes is hard to decipher.

Of the five losses USC has suffered, the Trojans were leading each game in the fourth quarter. On top of that, each game was ultimately decided by one possession. This indicates that USC frequently ran out of gas and could not finish off games. But it also indicates that USC was good enough to be in every game with a chance to win it late.

Irish fans are certainly hoping that Notre Dame can be the team to deliver a sixth loss to its arch-rival and do so by more than a score. That being said, USC teams always have talent and won't be a pushover. The Irish will have to earn this victory, it won't just be given to them.

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