Notre Dame Triumphs Over USC 34–24 in High-Stakes Showdown

Notre Dame players celebrate after defeating USC 34–24 in South Bend

Notre Dame Fighting Irish powered past the USC Trojans 34–24 with standout performances from Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, boosting their College Football Playoff hopes.

SOUTH BEND, Indiana — In a thrilling top-25 clash under the Saturday night lights, the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish overpowered the No. 20 USC Trojans 34–24, securing a crucial win that reignited their College Football Playoff ambitions.

According to reports, Jeremiyah Love delivered a career-defining performance, rushing for 228 yards and one touchdown, while Jadarian Price electrified the stadium with a 100-yard kickoff return that shifted the momentum in Notre Dame’s favor.

As confirmed by on-field officials, the third quarter marked a dramatic turn when Notre Dame trailed 24–21 before scoring 13 unanswered points to regain control. Price’s tackle-breaking return silenced USC’s early surge, energizing the home crowd at Notre Dame Stadium.

Sources close to the team highlight that Notre Dame quarterback C.J. Carr maintained composure under pressure, completing 16 of 26 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown, before adding a short rushing score late in the game to seal the victory.

The Notre Dame defense stepped up in the second half. Christian Gray, who had earlier faced penalties and coverage challenges, redeemed himself with a critical interception near midfield. That turnover halted USC’s offensive rhythm after a promising drive led by Jayden Maiava.

Moments later, with USC threatening again in the fourth quarter, Adon Shuler forced a fumble recovered by Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, effectively ending another Trojans scoring attempt.

Media outlets report that USC, missing key running backs Eli Sanders and Waymond Jordan due to injuries, struggled to establish a ground attack, managing only 68 rushing yards throughout the game. Maiava compensated with 328 passing yards and two touchdowns, but defensive lapses proved costly.

The Fighting Irish capitalized on USC’s turnovers, executing precision runs and clock control to close out the matchup. The win lifted Notre Dame to 5–2, while USC dropped to the same record after their second defeat of the season.

Analysts say this victory enhances Notre Dame’s College Football Playoff prospects and could push them higher in the upcoming AP Top 25 rankings. Meanwhile, USC risks sliding out of the top 25 following consecutive defensive breakdowns.

Notre Dame’s schedule now pauses for a bye week before facing Boston College on November 1, while USC prepares to regroup ahead of their visit to Nebraska the same week.

As media commentators note, this latest edition of the ND vs USC rivalry reaffirmed the Fighting Irish’s dominance at home and showcased the explosive versatility of players like Love and Price.

Fans searching for updates on Notre Dame football can expect growing momentum as head coach Marcus Freeman continues to strengthen the team’s postseason campaign.

Fans searching for the latest updates on Notre Dame football and the Notre Dame vs USC game can expect more exclusive coverage and player insights soon on Next ShowBiz.

FAQ

Q1: Who led Notre Dame to victory over USC?
A1: Jeremiyah Love led the way with 228 rushing yards and one touchdown, supported by Jadarian Price’s 100-yard kickoff return.

Q2: What is next for Notre Dame after this win?
A2: Notre Dame will take a bye week before facing Boston College on November 1.