Welcome back to Two Weeks Notice, a biweekly sports column that predicts games roughly two weeks in advance through a satirically analytical lens.
USC football fought well last weekend against Illinois, but lost its most challenging matchup yet after the Fighting Illini’s David Olano kicked a game-winning field goal that ended the game 34-32.
The USC Trojans take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday, Oct. 18 as they compete for the Jeweled Shillelagh in their 96th rivalry match. The Trojans will march into their third battle away from home at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Once again, the team’s offense will need to bring the heat in order to give their defense some points to lean on as they face the No. 21 team in the AP Top 25.
The nearly 100-year long tradition is looking at a potential conclusion, with the matchup only scheduled through 2026. Despite USC head coach Lincoln Riley’s desire to “play them every single year,” the College Football Playoff model alongside conference affiliation will determine the continuation of the tradition.
In August, USC amended their offer to Notre Dame “trying to extend the series,” said USC Director of Athletics Jennifer Cohen. With discussions initially set to occur after the 2026 contract expires, Notre Dame is still seeking a definitive answer from USC that establishes the rivalry for many years to come. The Trojans, however, may prioritize their dream of a national championship over an annual game with Notre Dame. Since USC has lost seven of the last 10 games, Riley is wary of any negative impact this game may have on CFP selection.
In 1925, Notre Dame head coach Knute Rockne recommended his friend Howard Jones to lead USC football, beginning a historic rivalry. With a two-loss streak, the Trojans need to avenge last year’s 49-35 score and put an end to Notre Dame’s six-win streak at home when they play USC. Similarly, the Irish luck always seems to run out in Troy, with the last three Trojan wins having a home-field advantage.
It’s quite fitting that Notre Dame’s mascot is a leprechaun, as their offensive stats don’t quite measure up to that of the Trojans. Freshman quarterback CJ Carr has 1,019 passing yards, while his top targets – junior running back Jeremiyah Love and senior wide receiver Malachi Fields – have 341 rushing yards and 275 receiving yards, respectively.
When compared to redshirt junior quarterback Jayden Maiava’s 1,587 passing yards and the 867 receiving yards from the junior wide receiver duo Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane, even Touchdown Jesus can’t save Notre Dame’s red zone.
Rivalry aside, both teams have achieved 22 national championships – 11 claimed by each team – and 15 Heismans – eight belonging to Trojans. The past century has created a competition that has drawn significant attention to USC and Notre Dame.
If this game were to be discontinued, USC fans would never see another Irish defeat at the hands of the Trojans. Instead, the Trojans would be forced to direct their attention towards Notre Dame’s failures in the CFP, with their gold helmets still shining brighter than their trophy case.
Let’s hope that tradition is stronger than distance, and conference alignment, or else this epic showdown between the teams might be one of the last. Catch the exciting rivalry matchup at 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, on NBC.