This is an absolute must win game for ND and for Kelly. Another night game packed with 30 some recruits – many from California very similar to the 2011 game in which ND embarrassed themselves and lost out on a number of 4-5 stars. Important for Kelly since you are not considered a good coach unless you beat USC consistently.

USC will come into this game all jacked up and hoping to provide Interim Coach Ed Orgeron the push to finish the season with wins and get the Head Coach title. Sanctions had no effect at all on the players they get – they are all top notch even though, for the most part, thugs not students. they intimidated ND in 2011 and we barely beat them in 2012 when they had no QB.

I really hope the ND coaches and players studied the USC Arizona game. Two very different half’s. USC jumped all over the Wildcats, got them out of their running game and forced them to pass. 2nd half different with Arizona finally pressuring the USC Qb Kessler – who sort of panics under pressure.
Arizona was able to get back into this game due to the foregoing as well as the escape ability of the Arizona QB who was under heavy pressure. We don’t have that wit Rees. We don’t have anyone with the ability of the Arizona running back Carey.

So what do we know:

• USC can score points with a good passing and 4-5 excellent RB’s.
• ND must put heavy pressure on the QB the entire game.
• Coaching–Orgeron wants the Head job. Kelly will have no legacy if he flops here.
• Game will be won by ND if both the OL and DL can dominate.
• ND will lose if they come out flat, fall behind and can’t protect Rees.
• Winner–team that plays a full 60 minutes.

ND 24 USC 17