In a thrilling matchup on October 14, 2023, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the University of Southern California (USC) with a score of 34-24. The game, held at a rain-soaked Notre Dame Stadium, showcased standout performances from running backs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, who played pivotal roles in securing the victory.
Historic Performances by Love and Price
Love’s remarkable performance included a record-setting 228 rushing yards, marking the highest total by a Notre Dame player in the 512-game history of Notre Dame Stadium. This achievement also made him the top rushing performer against USC in the long-standing rivalry. Price contributed significantly with 87 rushing yards, along with a 100-yard kick return touchdown that solidified the Irish’s lead.
Head coach Marcus Freeman praised his players, stating, “It’s not very common in college, not very common in life, to see two guys that are so talented, that deserve the ball in their hands every snap, put the team above themselves.” He emphasized their teamwork and support for one another, highlighting the difficulty of prioritizing team success over personal glory.
Game Highlights and Strategies
Both Love and Price entered the game eager to showcase their skills after a lackluster performance against Miami earlier in the season, where they had only combined for 20 touches. With heavy rain expected, the coaching staff focused on establishing a strong ground game. Love’s opening carry was a 63-yard dash, followed by a 12-yard touchdown run to kick off the scoring. Price then added to the tally with a 16-yard score, emphasizing their belief that the success of the offense hinges on the running back unit.
Price’s standout moment came during a critical kick return. After USC took a 24-21 lead late in the third quarter, he maneuvered through the defense to deliver a stunning 100-yard return. This made him the first Notre Dame player with multiple 100-yard kick returns, having previously achieved this feat against Purdue.
Freeman expressed his amazement at Price’s performance, stating, “I am sitting there like, ‘God, I get you, now.’ That was a huge play for this team.” This play was instrumental in turning the momentum back in favor of the Irish.
While Notre Dame’s running game was dominant, USC’s passing attack also made an impact, with quarterback Jayden Maiava accumulating 328 yards. However, a critical error occurred when USC attempted a risky wide receiver option pass, resulting in a turnover recovered by Notre Dame linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa. USC head coach Lincoln Riley criticized the call, labeling it a “stupid call.”
The match marked the 96th meeting between Notre Dame and USC, yet the future of this storied rivalry remains uncertain. Both institutions express a desire to continue the series, but differing views on scheduling and game locations pose challenges. Following the game, tensions remained high as players exchanged heated words, underscoring the rivalry’s fierce spirit.
Linebacker Jaylen Sneed reflected on the significance of the matchup, stating, “This is the biggest intersectional rivalry in college football. It just means more to us.” He emphasized the importance of the game on his calendar, a sentiment echoed by many players from both teams.
The victory keeps Notre Dame’s hopes alive for a spot in the College Football Playoff, marking their third consecutive win against USC and reaffirming their competitive edge in college football.
