USC vs Notre Dame: Football Rivalry History and Iconic Moments

The Legendary USC vs. Notre Dame Rivalry Returns

College football’s most storied rivalry is set to ignite once again this Saturday, as the No. 21-ranked USC Trojans take on the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. This matchup not only promises intense competition but also carries significant implications for the College Football Playoff. The two programs, known for their rich histories and iconic traditions, have built a rivalry that stands out in the world of college sports.

A Unique Rivalry with Deep Roots

The USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry is unlike any other in college football. It transcends regional boundaries and has been marked by a shared history of excellence, elite uniforms, and a nonregional structure that makes it one of the most distinctive rivalries in the sport. The series has seen both teams experience periods of dominance, with Notre Dame holding a 50-37-5 advantage in the all-time record. However, this does not include three vacated games: USC's famous "Bush Push" win from 2005, which was later stripped due to improper benefits received by Reggie Bush, and two Notre Dame victories in 2012 and 2013 that were vacated due to academic misconduct by an athletic trainer.

Notre Dame has historically had the upper hand at home, with a 28-13-1 record in South Bend, while USC has a 24-20-1 record in Los Angeles. The Fighting Irish have also enjoyed extended runs of success, winning six of seven matchups in the 1940s, 11 in a row from 1983 to 1993, and seven of the last nine going back to 2017. USC’s longest winning streak in the rivalry came just before Notre Dame’s, with five straight wins from 1978 to 1982.

The Origins of the Rivalry

The first meeting between USC and Notre Dame in 1926 was the stuff of legend. According to folklore, USC athletic director Gwynn Wilson and his wife, Marion, attended a Notre Dame-Nebraska game in Lincoln. Despite Notre Dame losing 17-0, Marion persuaded Knute Rockne’s wife, Bonnie, that a biennial winter trip to Southern California would be more enjoyable than freezing Nebraska. This led to the creation of one of the most enduring rivalries in college football.

The first game, played in 1926, saw Notre Dame win 13-12 in Los Angeles, followed by another victory in 1927 at Soldier Field in Chicago. USC finally secured its first win in the series in 1928, 27-14, the same year the Trojans won their first national championship.

Key Games in the Rivalry

Several games have become legendary within the USC vs. Notre Dame series:

• 1974, “The Comeback”: No. 6 USC 55, No. 5 Notre Dame 24
  After a 24-0 first-half lead, USC staged one of the greatest single-game runs in college football history, scoring 55 points in under 17 minutes. Anthony Davis and J.K. McKay led the charge, and the Trojans went on to win the Rose Bowl and claim the national title.

• 1977, “The Green Jersey Game”: No. 11 Notre Dame 49, No. 5 USC 19
  Notre Dame surprised USC by wearing green jerseys, which energized the team and led to a dominant performance. Joe Montana scored on two QB sneaks, and the Irish won the national championship in unexpected fashion.

• 1988, A Battle of Unbeatens: No. 1 Notre Dame 27, No. 2 USC 10
  This was the only time the two programs met as the top two teams in the country. Notre Dame’s victory over Miami in the “Catholics vs. Convicts” game gave them momentum, and they capitalized on big plays to secure the win.

• 2005, “The Bush Push”: No. 1 USC 35, No. 9 Notre Dame 31
  This game lived up to the hype, with Brady Quinn leading Notre Dame to a late lead. However, a controversial play involving Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart sealed the victory for USC.

The Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy

The winner of the USC vs. Notre Dame game earns possession of the Jeweled Shillelagh, an Irish club made of oak or blackthorn saplings. The trophy features a jeweled ornament for each game result in the rivalry’s history: a ruby-adorned Trojan head for each USC victory and an emerald-studded shamrock for each Notre Dame victory (and a combination of the two for tie games before the NCAA instituted overtime in 1996).

The tradition began in 1952 when the Notre Dame Alumni Club of Los Angeles donated the trophy. The current version is the second edition, as the original was retired in 1995 due to lack of space for gems. The current shillelagh is longer to accommodate future victories.

What to Expect in This Year’s Matchup

This year’s game could have major implications for the College Football Playoff. Both teams are looking to solidify their positions in the rankings, and a win could provide a significant boost. The passing attack will likely play a key role, with Pro Football Focus highlighting key players who could make the difference.

How to Watch the Game

The game will take place on Saturday, October 18, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, starting at 7:30 PM ET. Fans can watch the game live on Peacock.

If you're a student, you may be eligible for a Peacock Student Discount. To qualify, you must be 18 years or older, enrolled in an undergraduate or advanced degree program at a Title IV-accredited institution, and reside in the United States. You’ll need to verify your student status through SheerID.

Peacock is available on a variety of devices, and you can view the full list of supported devices on their website.

Inside the Game: Makai Lemon’s Impact

Makai Lemon has emerged as a standout playmaker for USC, combining big-play ability with attention to detail. In USC’s recent win over Michigan, Lemon showcased his versatility, contributing significantly to the Trojans’ success.