One Foot Down - Notre Dame Fighting Irish: USC Trojans Week 2018A never-ending discussion about Notre Dame and the greater CFB landscapehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52610/ofd_fav.png2018-11-27T00:58:49-05:00http://www.onefootdown.com/rss/stream/178683332018-11-27T00:58:49-05:002018-11-27T00:58:49-05:003 Things to Takeaway from the Notre Dame 24-17 Victory Over USC
<figure>
<img alt="Notre Dame v USC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CMjpAh35GjTnHWSc9CocDzj9lMQ=/0x220:4722x3368/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62407924/1065032560.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The UNDEFEATED Edition</p> <h2 id="hoFpaL"><strong>YESSIR. THEY DID IT.</strong></h2>
<p id="B6Fq6V">I. FREAKING. LOVE. THIS. Your <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> have just finished the regular season undefeated. A perfect 12-0. I can’t believe it, but I actually can believe it with the way the team fights and their skill. It’s such a beautiful thing to see the Irish among the true college football elite in a season.</p>
<p id="IFzPVM">Even though it was tougher than it probably should’ve been, the Irish defeated archrival <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a> to get to this final point (WE KEEPIN THAT JEWELED SHILLELAGH). It was a rivalry game for sure. Tough game against the other team that probably should have more wins with their talent. However, USC was in a down year, and it makes it that much sweeter to win a rivalry game on the road.</p>
<p id="4amW21">After all of that, here are 3 of my thoughts from the game that I want to address.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/wXyZUia_G-IPBdo2e_E4fRgIwjk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13487871/usa_today_11729213.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
<figcaption>Ricky Watters is my mood right now. BOSS.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2 id="FvShpL"><strong>3 Things from the ND-USC Game</strong></h2>
<p id="SRc1Te"><strong>You can’t have a perfect season without a little adversity.</strong></p>
<p id="mIP9Dr">Yeah, that game was way tougher than it probably should’ve been. However, I still think that especially in college football, there is no such thing as a smooth ride to an undefeated regular season. Look at the Ball State, Vandy, and Pitt games. Include this game in that list too. Winning is hard (shout out to @rakesofmallow here). You can’t expect everything to be absolutely perfect. It’s a game played by young, flawed individuals (they are human, so they are flawed). College football begets flaws. Even through that, the Irish prevailed. They came back against a tough rival with nothing to lose and showed how to win a tough game. It’s fine that this happened. They won all their games, and it is ok that a third of them were tougher. Even Alabama was tied at the half with The Citadel. It’s quite alright and isn’t something indiciative of the season. Good teams still have struggles, and we are a damn good football team. I also like how poetic it was to come back down the largest defecit of the season against our main rival and have the score be the same as the game against Michigan.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LhzEDmXvVcoe2HlWdtO8pbPOLQc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13488690/usa_today_11729217.jpg">
<cite>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="bo3I0K"><strong>I’m a little surprised by my (and the team’s) overall subdued celebration of this feat.</strong></p>
<p id="j7UsgK">However, I kept thinking late Saturday night that this should be the norm. The team I knew had the skill and the toughness to finish the regular season undefeated. It’s not that this is any less special than 2012, but I’ve seen this now. It’s not news, and it was expected as we got into the final stretch of the season. I’m more looking to see how the Irish could move even higher atop the college football world. This season will be a fantastic success regardless, but I’m waiting to see how they will do in the semifinal that they will presumably be in. It’s an AWESOME feeling, but I think the business-like reaction on Saturday was more of relief and a “Yeah, we should for sure be undefeated.” I almost wish I had teared up and yelled in celebration more like in 2012, but actually I’m glad this is more normal and that other celebration was a one time thing.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/v-_ULcfFD-e0aJRCpVUTKhp91pA=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13467845/usa_today_11729192.jpg">
<cite>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="BVE7t9"><strong>And with that, I’m excited to see how the Irish will do on the biggest stage.</strong></p>
<p id="LaN3L3">It seems that the tough tasks have been accomplished so far. But now, it ratchets up to the point of looking toward playing one of the four best teams in football (and more than likely playing one of the two best). I want to see this team and how they react to that in a game setting. I think the Irish have set themselves up to have a chance at being the best. Like I said, we are in the college football elite right now. Additionally, I can’t wait to watch this team again. They are SO much fun to watch. Their chemistry and brotherhood is contagious, and I’m proud that they are kids that got the chance to continue a great season. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AeyQ32wPMfIcWYFNMxEihxK6x3Q=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13489092/usa_today_11729278.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="wjx5Rz"></p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/27/18113448/3-things-to-takeaway-from-the-notre-dame-fighting-irish-24-17-victory-over-usc-trojans-undefeatedMatt Greene2018-11-26T04:23:29-05:002018-11-26T04:23:29-05:00Bagpipe Monday: Can Notre Dame Win The National Championship?
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N6pPwPb_QTG8MwxW0hlLgvfSITY=/0x0:4920x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62398776/usa_today_11728295.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The weekly poll and pipes gets down to business.</p> <p id="POz4ss">Welcome to another Bagpipe Monday on One Foot Down! Friends, the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> did it — they finished the season 12-0. With a 24-17 win over the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>, Notre Dame has locked up its <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a> invite.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Bagpipe Monday Notre Dame" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xH_9mMgJ_70yHnbEH2zqrW2TyWY=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8129389/BagpipeMonday.0.jpg">
<cite>@phillykelly</cite>
</figure>
<p id="3tl2in">Sure... we still have two more rankings to get through, but there is no real way the Irish will drop out of the top four in the rankings. Their seeding however, could move a bit depending on what happens during the conference championships. If the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com/">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> and <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> both win their conference title game, it will most likely be Notre Dame and Clemson scheduled to play in the first round. If, for example, the <a href="https://www.dawgsports.com/">Georgia Bulldogs</a> beat Bama — I think there’s a fair chance that it will be the Irish and Georgia in the first round. </p>
<p id="cHx43m">So... pay attention this weekend as the Irish sit at home and recover.</p>
<p id="gFQgUs">Saturday night was an exciting time for Irish fans. Just two years removed from a 4-8 season and little hope, Notre Dame has a legitimate chance now to win its 22nd national championship (we absolutely claim 21 titles here at OFD and you should too). Can they — will they win the two game playoff and be crowned as the 2018 national champions?</p>
<div id="OArnPE"><div data-anthem-component="poll:1975704"></div></div>
<p id="25pmLL">Please provide whatever predictions or scenarios you have in your head, and lets see if we can get all worked up into a frenzy together. </p>
<p id="sTy3HS">Enjoy the pipes!</p>
<div id="HwVlJZ"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cjDXWPW9f9s?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="OGZnE3"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:10327526"></div></div>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/26/18112198/bagpipe-monday-can-notre-dame-win-the-national-championship-fighting-irish-alabama-clemson-georgiaJoshua Vowles2018-11-26T01:26:30-05:002018-11-26T01:26:30-05:00Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS USC Trojans: Top Player Performances
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HE_wMbcAqUkKIzWeWbGUdGlZjrg=/0x0:4848x3232/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62397188/usa_today_11729302.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Notre Dame football team is officially 12-0 and undefeated.</p> <p id="JzGW9N">Well, it happened. The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> beat the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a> by a score of 24-17 to finish the 2018 football season undefeated. What an amazing year. Such a fun team to watch. They play hard all the time and showed Saturday, they never give up either. The Irish got down 10-0 but battled back for a solid victory. We all knew USC was going to go all out for this one. It was up to Notre Dame to match that energy and fight back.</p>
<h2 id="7zUTYN">
<span>Chris Finke</span> </h2>
<p id="3JnYst">The Slippery Fox himself. <span>Chris Finke</span> came up big when Notre Dame needed it the most. He consistently got open and is a problem in open space. The touchdown Finke caught totally flipped the momentum. USC started strong and was in control until Chris Finke made a toe-tapping, finger-tip snagging catch. You could not have imagined a better year for Finke. He took a huge step forward and saved his best game for last. Just a casual 7 catch, 86 yard performance. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LdqvAeBQhANQ8KaC1OLtEFpKTvs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13469706/usa_today_11728190.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<h2 id="1zZUaO">
<span>Troy Pride Jr.</span><strong> </strong>
</h2>
<p id="0OVxe7">The man that caused the fumble before halftime gets the next nod. <span>Troy Pride Jr.</span> has quietly been a very good cornerback for Notre Dame. It is easy to fly under the radar playing along side Julian Love. But we should all appreciate how well Pride has played. USC was going in to score either a touchdown or field goal before halftime. That was until Troy Pride Jr. never gave up on the play and forced a fumble by the USC wide receiver. This single play took a minimum 3 points off the scoreboard. </p>
<h2 id="4xTMcF">
<span>Jerry Tillery</span> </h2>
<p id="96qjro">I never really paid attention to the blocks other teams were throwing at <span>Jerry Tillery</span> until this game. For some reason I noticed Tillery shedding two defenders off of him multiple times. He was an absolute beast on the defensive line. Tillery topped it off with a sack late in the 4th quarter that killed all USC momentum. We have come a long way since the 2016 USC game where Tillery had his infamous penalty. A total 180 for both Notre Dame and Jerry Tillery in 2018.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QJ70czHoJT4yL5Or17StBqwFyVQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13467967/usa_today_11729360.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="1nuZzt">Notre Dame is undefeated, 12-0. They will now await to see who and where they play next. The selection show in next Sunday. Notre Dame will either head to Dallas or Miami for the first round on the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a>. </p>
<p id="BXlKKa">That felt amazing to type. </p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/26/18112123/player-performances-notre-dame-vs-usc-chris-finke-jerry-tillery-troy-pride-jr-irish-trojansjeffczern2018-11-26T01:19:18-05:002018-11-26T01:19:18-05:00The USC Hangover
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bQTADrMhyAK0YWMYlixU-wu7DtM=/0x0:3789x2526/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62397176/usa_today_11728188.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Football players panicking during a business trip to the disco... it will all make sense in a few minutes.</p> <p id="zz7pEz">If the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a> would have been a 9 win team this season, the 24-17 win the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> put up against them would have been a little more exciting and a lot less frustrating. </p>
<p id="RdECqY">At any rate, here’s your hangover:</p>
<h2 id="ZzYkhI">IAN BOOK THE FOOTBALL PLAYER</h2>
<div class="c-float-right"> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yovN5D6vsxw7UzW7peWRF6SWWJo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13469755/usa_today_11728285.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
</div>
<p id="zpIxoe">There was an Ohio State quarterback that my best friend and I carried a fan flag for many years ago. His name is Steve Bellisari, and despite not having a good career in Columbus as a passer, my friend and I were enamored by Bellisari’s toughness. We didn’t refer to him (a guy that started his career at safety) as a quarterback — we called him, “a football player.”</p>
<p id="Hr06KE"><span>Ian Book</span> is evolving into such a categorization. </p>
<p id="v5t7Fl">Don’t get it twisted... Book is a quarterback, and a thumping good one too. But, he showed Saturday night, that he can go above such a label. Two runs in particular showed his toughness, and his willingness to play a physical brand of football not usually reserved for passers. Those both gained critical first downs for Notre Dame, with the first one providing the spark needed to win the game.</p>
<p id="BemU0w">Book’s 16 net yards don’t look nearly as good as his 22/39 for 352 yards and 2 TD’s, but they were equally important. It’s what football players do.</p>
<h2 id="9hqNYo">PANICKING FOR NO REASON</h2>
<p id="YEr5Ai">Perhaps Notre Dame employed Brian VanGorder for too long (there’s no perhaps about it — they did). Irish fans seem to get a little more jumpy than what would be determined as normal during the game if the opposing offense actually does a little something. </p>
<p id="bUBESG">The panic was there for Irish fans as J.T. Daniels and the Trojan offense took the opening drive 78 yards for a touchdown. Even though the Irish only coughed up 3 more points until garbage time, you would have thought worlds were ending.</p>
<p id="wHDGCY">We’re just going to have to trust Clark Lea and this defense — because it’s really good. Notre Dame is ranked #22 in total defense, #5 in pass efficiency defense, and #11 in scoring defense (the most important number). </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5oBISKWd8QBWDuCEXIc4PxBzNKs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13469758/usa_today_11728159.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="NqeYh8">17.3 points per game... so why would anyone freak out at 10-0? Clark Lea made the right adjustments, and the Irish defense clamped down. USC was “Weis ing” us for a half. The top three leading tacklers were <span>Julian Love</span>, <span>Alohi Gilman</span>, and <span>Troy Pride Jr.</span> and took care of everything in front of them. </p>
<p id="Vq7bDE">I mean, they just did what they do.</p>
<h2 id="o4O65D">BUSINESS TRIP DISASTER AVERTED</h2>
<p id="VkYeHl">The ABC broadcast team of Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit weren’t just making conversation when they were highlighting Notre Dame’s flat play — it was really happening. For the first time since the Ball State game, the Irish looked like a team that wasn’t able to match the emotion and passion of the team across from them. </p>
<p id="ooQ0MN">This was most certainly a business trip, but in a rivalry game, emotion must be available to energize a team’s play. That’s why the fumble recoveries and that <span>Ian Book</span> run when he dropped the shoulder were so important. They helped spark Notre Dame when they had little to no “shine.”</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Notre Dame v USC" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/18MNonkZjd8UAGQiyH1Sk0EkJXc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13469760/1065031628.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</cite>
</figure>
<p id="NqG9EA">Even after the win, the team looked tired and more relieved than celebratory, which maybe shouldn’t be the case in a season ending game that put the record at a perfect 12-0. <span>Brian Kelly</span> said this was a mature team, and that’s why the excitement was less than we would expect, but I’d wager there was something else involved, and most people already know what that is.</p>
<p id="7aCfOX">The travel this team undertook this season finally showed its teeth in L.A. against USC. The nightmare we thought might bite Notre Dame in the ass almost did just that. The Irish are now 6-3 in the games that follow the Shamrock series, and in those 6 wins the average margin of points is around 7. </p>
<p id="irggXQ">Travel sucks. A lot of travel sucks even more, and has a number of effects on the body. Notre Dame was able to overcome all of that, but I think we saw just how critical it can all be. The leadership on this team from top to bottom saved a last game disaster, which given the circumstances, was a remarkable thing.</p>
<h2 id="gSvOwC">MOVING FORWARD</h2>
<p id="MtjyEb">Now comes some much needed time off for Notre Dame. Time for a fairly healthy team to fully heal, and time to put in the work to stay sharp for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a>. </p>
<p id="0qSjNG">It’s also a scary time because there’s a little more free time to maybe get in a wee bit of trouble. The team, and in particular the captains, have to hold everyone accountable and stay focused on the tasks at hand. </p>
<p id="xnkcun">Let’s see where this party goes next!</p>
<div id="n1dTNI"><div data-anthem-component="productcard:10327508"></div></div>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/26/18111750/notre-dame-football-the-usc-hangover-ian-book-brian-kelly-fighting-irish-trojans-playoffsJoshua Vowles2018-11-25T18:52:43-05:002018-11-25T18:52:43-05:00The Final Chapter
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/EdHb6HbTMklMf_QxEY0FXA3WUj4=/0x35:4113x2777/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62395349/usa_today_11729294.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This season came to a close against rival USC, and now the Irish look forward to a likely playoff berth.</p> <p id="aIvSum">*Note: There is no teleconference with <span>Brian Kelly</span> today.</p>
<h2 id="3nMxIk">The Final Chapter</h2>
<p id="sk9aUu">This storybook season started with a never-in-doubt home win over Michigan.</p>
<p id="CHBhBd">The next two weeks were shaky, in which the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> struggled mightily to overcome lesser opponents in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/ball-st-cardinals">Ball State Cardinals</a> and the <a href="https://www.anchorofgold.com/">Vanderbilt Commodores</a>. A combined score of 46-33 in those two games left a sour taste in the mouth of the Irish collective.</p>
<p id="I98h8r">Enter: <span>Ian Book</span>. The new starting quarterback would lead the Irish to three straight victories over Wake Forest, Stanford, and Virginia Tech. The average score of these three games was 46-22, as opposed to the 22-17 average over the first three games. </p>
<p id="ItOdsu">The Irish would cool off a bit over the next two games - against Pitt (19-14) and Navy (44-22). These were not a pair of games that instilled confidence, but they were games that kept the ship moving in the right direction, so to speak.</p>
<p id="Hjla1j">The next three games included a 31-21 victory over #19 Northwestern and a 36-3 shellacking of #20 Syracuse, with a thorough domination of Florida State (in which <span>Brandon Wimbush</span> took over) sandwiched in between.</p>
<p id="EAnNPT">Then, it was USC week. A 24-17 victory, after trailing 10-0, is a positive. It wasn’t a win that instills confidence, per se, but it was one that nearly guarantees the Irish will be in the playoffs. Not to mention it was a victory over the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>, which is always welcome.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5a7TPWbqz4cjxSzv8sP0Y360N_8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13468650/usa_today_11729212.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
</figure>
<p id="9rbszR">This season has come in many chapters.</p>
<p id="fxvrq0">Started wonderfully, it took a winding road - both literally and figuratively - to reach this point. </p>
<p id="9kMdiA">Brian Kelly managed his second undefeated season in the last six as the head coach at Notre Dame. While he has been far from perfect, this is a huge accomplishment and a massive step in the right direction for a program so popularly deemed “irrelevant” and “outdated” by outsiders.</p>
<p id="9uVwhK">But the job is not finished for Brian Kelly and his team.</p>
<p id="j4XNY2">The story is not complete. </p>
<p id="E6ICQj">One last chapter awaits this football team.</p>
<p id="OUy1Vt"><span>Ian Book</span> will likely lead this team into a Playoff Semifinal, and the popular narrative will be Brian Kelly’s shortcomings in big games. The regular season tilts with the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a> in 2015 or Georgia and Miami in 2017, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/fiesta-bowl">Fiesta Bowl</a> against Ohio State in 2015, and the National Championship versus the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com/">Alabama Crimson Tide</a> in 2013.</p>
<p id="8Joh2J">This will be the mantra of the doubters.</p>
<p id="RZvBxT">If the Irish are to make this a true storybook season, they must silence the critics with their performance. But until then, we will just have to wait.</p>
<p id="xRhhXl">On to the final chapter.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/25/18111433/notre-dame-fighting-irish-football-the-final-chapter-ian-book-brian-kellyAKGallagher2018-11-25T14:41:24-05:002018-11-25T14:41:24-05:00Notre Dame Remains At #3 in AP and USA Today Polls Following USC Win
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/tNb7vcs-0O0AboUXlt6XMZJa_-U=/0x0:4590x3060/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62394535/usa_today_11729360.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Irish finish the regular season 12-0 and still in the top three in the two major polls.</p> <p id="1L5nR9">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> finished the regular season with a 24-17 win over the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>. Now with a perfect 12-0 record, the Irish await their fate with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">College Football Playoff</a> committee. In the meantime, they can rest relatively easy knowing that they remain at the #3 spot in the week 14 USA Today Coaches Poll and the week 14 AP Top 25.</p>
<p id="2tOPO9">Here’s the complete week 14 Coaches Poll:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3Gq6iXPxmOnZ2FeVB_Va21wfprw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13468527/Screen_Shot_2018_11_25_at_11.12.28_AM.png">
</figure>
<p id="n0gsf4">With the Michigan loss to Ohio State, the big change this week is the Wolverines being replaced by Georgia at #4. Oklahoma moves up to #5 and Ohio State jumps five spots to #6. Michigan falls back to #8 here. Syracuse and Northwestern jump to #18 and #21 respectively.</p>
<p id="aqBwnM">Here’s the complete week 14 AP Poll:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OkfXHDdRkpCASWk2Oq4pTbYFeuk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13468554/Screen_Shot_2018_11_25_at_11.36.01_AM.png">
</figure>
<p id="e3e6XJ">The only major difference in the AP Poll is Florida and Washington are flipped at the #10 and #11 spots. </p>
<p id="05qE9f">This marks the sixth week in a row that the Irish have been #3 in the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.</p>
<p id="4eRlHH"><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff"><strong>College Football Playoff</strong></a> rankings will be released Tuesday night. A new Coaches Poll and AP Top 25 will be released next Sunday following this week’s conference championship games. </p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/25/18110882/notre-dame-remain-at-3-in-ap-and-usa-today-polls-poll-usc-win-fighting-irish-football-rankingsJoe Londergan2018-11-25T04:09:59-05:002018-11-25T04:09:59-05:00Notre Dame Fighting Irish VS USC Trojans: Highlights, Post-Game, And Full Replay
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LPP6zxbPhbhxEJ6fP3gtnr54XFE=/0x0:2935x1957/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62393112/usa_today_11728277.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Everything you need from Notre Dame’s 24-17 win over USC to finish 12-0.</p> <p id="lSLrgR">The <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> finished the 2018 regular season with a gritty 24-17 win over the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>. The win keeps the Jeweled Shillelagh in South Bend, and more importantly, it solidifies Notre Dame’s position in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a> hunt.</p>
<p id="kUvrSq">Notre Dame earned this win as Southern Cal did what most of us didn’t think they would do — the Trojans showed up to play. The Irish quickly fell behind 10-0 to USC, which was the first time all season Notre Dame was down by two scores in a game. They made quite a few halftime adjustments, and through it all, Notre Dame went on a 24-0 run before USC scored some garbage points at the end. </p>
<p id="KO48Ti">Here’s all the video you need from the game:</p>
<h2 id="zcpn40">HIGHLIGHTS</h2>
<div id="IeSNSi"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Lb8oyowI5E0?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="u5V8Ke"> </p>
<div id="avRLzC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W6XiEDcpJ5k?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="032kWY">COACHES POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE</h2>
<div id="6fP9Vf"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wKVS2S3R_1Y?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="soKW3G"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sxdJ_s9bjBw?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h2 id="hU8qml">FULL GAME REPLAY</h2>
<div id="p5zWSD"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FQcrqr3Anu0?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/25/18109788/notre-dame-fighting-irish-vs-usc-trojans-highlights-post-game-and-full-game-replay-press-conferenceJoshua Vowles2018-11-25T03:14:43-05:002018-11-25T03:14:43-05:00Notre Dame Beat One Rival 24-17 To Make The Other 24-17 Rivalry Win Count
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Notre Dame at Southern California" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9OSw9Qv0D0GDiK5M_oXiD_68CN8=/0x0:3211x2141/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62393052/usa_today_11729192.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>2 rivals and 1 score for the college football playoff.</p> <p id="KZC95R">The last game of the season ended with the same score as the first game of the season, but between those games — the <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com/">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> proved themselves as one of the best teams in the country. With their 24-17 win over the <a href="https://www.conquestchronicles.com/">USC Trojans</a>, the Irish have punched their ticket for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">college football playoff</a>.</p>
<p id="iznw6O">It was such an incredible journey for Notre Dame in 2018. </p>
<p id="POZrPT">The Irish started the season with a renewed rivalry game against the <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/">Michigan Wolverines</a>, and according to just about every expert in the country — Notre Dame wouldn’t be able to handle Michigan on either side of the ball. The Irish then proceeded to punch the Wolverines in the mouth to start the game, and that team from up north never recovered.</p>
<p id="YnIcMF">After that 24-17 win, the college football narrative was still fixated on Michigan and what was “wrong” with them instead of showcasing how good the Irish were, and how that win could set up a run for the playoffs. </p>
<p id="1Xmjcq">Michigan remained a dark cloud that followed the Irish in the weeks after the game. As Notre Dame struggled in wins over Ball State and Vanderbilt, Michigan kicked the crap out of their cupcakes. There was a growing sentiment that Michigan was still a better football team than Notre Dame. </p>
<p id="q5VgIc">Maybe they were right — after the Vanderbilt game. As much as it seems ridiculous, maybe at 3-0, Notre Dame wasn’t better than the 2-1 Michigan squad that they beat to start the year. Maybe that’s why <span>Brian Kelly</span> made the change at quarterback. </p>
<p id="ju8SXJ">Once Kelly started <span>Ian Book</span> over <span>Brandon Wimbush</span> when Notre Dame went on the road against Wake Forest, the whole dynamic of the team started to change. No longer did the offense seem sluggish — it took off. One week later when <span>Dexter Williams</span> was finally able to play after serving a four game suspension, Notre Dame showed exactly what they were now capable of as it beat the <a href="https://www.ruleoftree.com/">Stanford Cardinal</a> down.</p>
<p id="FdFa1p">Notre Dame’s stingy defense with newcomer <span>Alohi Gilman</span>, and surprise star <span>Jalen Elliott</span> in the secondary, were already playing like one of the better defenses in the country. With a formidable front seven that includes <span>Julian Okwara</span>, <span>Jerry Tillery</span>, <span>Khalid Kareem</span>, <span>Drue Tranquill</span>, and Te’von Coney there wasn’t a weak spot to be found. (All that without mentioning All-<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> and Jim Thorpe Award candidate, <span>Julian Love</span> at cornerback). Notre Dame was able to control almost every minute of every game this season because of that defense.</p>
<p id="euCOVe">At the halfway point in the season, Notre Dame wasn’t the same team they were against Michigan. No, the Irish were better even if the national media didn’t want to admit it. </p>
<p id="0mQqQg">The tide finally turned last week when the Irish blew out the <a href="https://www.nunesmagician.com/">Syracuse Orange</a>, and Michigan struggled with the <a href="https://www.crimsonquarry.com/">Indiana Hoosiers</a>. Finally, the media was warming up to the real idea that Notre Dame was indeed properly ranked at #3 and there was a much bigger gap between the Irish and Michigan than the Irish and the <a href="https://www.shakinthesouthland.com/">Clemson Tigers</a>. </p>
<p id="wOCeDi">Still, it came down to the last game of the regular season for Notre Dame, and it was against their fiercest rival in Southern Cal, and in their backyard. Notre Dame beat this rival by the same score as that “other rival” in the first game of the season, 24-17. </p>
<p id="U9t7cA">It took this win, to make the better win (by the same score) more relevant than it’s been in weeks. Funny how that happens, and it’s even funnier how irrelevant that entire conversation was over the last two months. Triple that funny after the <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/">Ohio State Buckeyes</a> beatdown Jim Harbaugh and Michigan.</p>
<p id="efCt2N">Notre Dame bookends its 12-0 season with a pair of 24-17 wins over its rivals on route to the college football playoff. Try diluting that narrative, and you’re either stupid or a hater — probably both.</p>
https://www.onefootdown.com/2018/11/25/18110817/notre-dame-beat-one-rival-24-17-to-make-the-other-rivalry-win-count-michigan-usc-college-playoffJoshua Vowles