USC/ Notre Dame: 5 Matchups to Watch

1)   Jimmy Clausen v. Trojans Pass Rush: If the Irish can keep Clausen up right, then they may have a chance. Trojans have sacked opposing QB’s 21 times in 5 games.

 

2)   Notre Dame WR’s v. USC Seconary: It looks to be a given that the Irish aren’t going to be able to run the football, so it’s up to Golden Tate and Kyle Rudolph to get open if Notre Dame’s going to move the ball whatsoever. Irish are tenth in the nation in total offense per game. USC hasn’t allowed 300 yards of offense against them yet this year.

 

3)    Notre Dame Front Seven v. Joe McKnight: Irish are giving up almost 140 ypg against the run. McKnight looks to be the every down back the Trojans have lacked in recent years, averaging 7.1 ypc.

 

4)   Taylor Mays v. Kyle Rudolph: Mays has owned the TE down the seam over the last two years. With Michael Floyd’s injury, the Irish can’t afford to have either Golden Tate or Rudolph taken out of the game. If the Irish could mount any semblance of a rushing attack it would greatly help the deep passing game if Mays had to chaet into the box today.

 

5)   USC C Kris O’Dowd and G Jeff Byars v. Notre Dame DT Ian Williams and LB Brian Smith: The gameplan has to be simple for the Irish, force Matt Barkley to beat you. O’Dowd and Byars were on multiple preseason All-America teams. If the underachieving Williams can play up to this potential Notre Dame has a shot to pull off the upset.