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Notre Dame VS USC: Key Performances

The Irish started fast and never let up in a 49-14 victory over Southern California.

NCAA Football: Southern California at Notre Dame Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

What a great game to watch. That is, if you’re a fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. I cannot imagine any USC fans got any joy from the game Saturday night. Notre Dame put an absolute beat down on the USC Trojans and I loved every single minute of it. These three players stood out most to me:

Te’von Coney

He was a monster all night long. Brian Kelly said after the game that this was Coney’s best performance in his whole career. The tackling ability is what stood out most to me. He has a nose for the football and brings you down if he gets a hold of you. You won’t see a broken tackle when Te’von Coney is involved. He finished the game with 11 tackles and the turning point play in this game, the forced fumble on USC’s first offensive play. The Notre Dame offense stalled and punted to give USC good field position. The first snap was high and Coney went in and made a play to knock the ball loose from Sam Darnold. I agree with Brian Kelly’s praise of Te’von Coney. He is playing great football.

NCAA Football: Southern California at Notre Dame

Kevin Stepherson

Welcome back to the Notre Dame Football team, Kevin Stepherson. He is a big play waiting to happen. I love the end around to Stepherson. It gives him open field and lets him use his speed and vision to make plays. He gives Brandon Wimbush another weapon to throw the ball to. Look for Stepherson to continue to make great catches in the last 5 games. He is officially back and it seems to be at the perfect time for the Irish.

Khalid Kareem

This dude looks like a refridgerator. I am so serious too. Kareem walked by me during the player walk Saturday afternoon and holy crap is he a big human being. It is nice to see the sophomore defensive lineman make an impact. He has a ton of talent and it is beginning to show. As Im sure everyone already knows, he was committed to Alabama for goodness sake. Khalid Kareem had 2 big sacks against USC and looks to be blossoming in front of our eyes. Find this guy a regular role on the defense going forward and let him attack opposing quarterbacks.

NCAA Football: Southern California at Notre Dame Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame is now 6-1 and ranked 9th in the AP Poll. They will welcome #14 North Carolina State to South Bend this weekend. The Wolfpack have a stacked defensive line and a veteran QB. It will be another great test for the Irish. Before I wrap up I wanted to mention one thing, Josh Adams is the best player in college football.