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When the Notre Dame Fighting Irish marched into the Los Angeles Coliseum to take on the USC Trojans, there was no reason to believe that this one would be easy. After 60 minutes of football, one thing was made clear.

Winning an easy game is not in Notre Dame's system.

The Irish prevailed by a score of 22-13, led by five field goals by Kyle Brindza and an interception by Manti Te'o. Throw in Te'o's two goal line stuffs and you have the story of this game.

Both teams moved the ball well, but neither could find the end zone during the second half.

USC had their opportunities but they simply could not convert. They failed to score touchdowns when in the red zone and missed out on the fact that they had seven plays from the 1-yard line during the final four minutes of the game.

None of which produced points.

As for Notre Dame, they ran for 222 yards and the only touchdown that the team ended up scoring. Although the Irish lacked consistency through the air, they overcame any form of deficiencies by putting the ball at their kicker's toes.

A formula that continues to lead them to weapon. A formula that has Notre Dame headed to the BCS National Championship Game.

Kicking & punting box score via ESPN.com.

Passing, rushing and receiving box score via ESPN.com.

Scoring summary via ESPN.com.

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

It's time to acknowledge what absolutely no one predicted without bias, folks. It's time to say what no one thought they would say.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are going to the 2013 BCS National Championship Game.

In the words of Brent Musburger, Notre Dame are destiny's darlings. Will it be Alabama or Georgia who try to stop them in their tracks?

Four seconds remaining. USC running one last play.

Notre Dame punts it, and... USC roughs the kicker. This one is over.

Notre Dame 22, USC 13 — 0:19 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

Indeed it was.

Why did #USC go for it? They needed a field goal! Stupid! #notredame

— Harry Caines (@chiefsalsa) November 25, 2012

With a chance to make this a one possession game, USC goes for it on fourth down instead of kicking the field goal. Max Wittek under-throws his wide-open receiver.

Notre Dame is just a few first downs away from the National Championship Game. Theo Riddick provides one.

Notre Dame 22, USC 13 — 2:16 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

USC hands it off to Curtis McNeal, who is stuffed at the line by Matthias Farley. Fourth down for USC.

Harry How/Getty Images

Max Wittek just wasted over 20 seconds of precious game clock. That's what happens with a freshman.

One play later, Wittek is stuffed at the line on a QB sneak. He has been impressive tonight but there is one major reason that Matt Barkley is missed.

Game management.

Make that three pass interferences on KeiVarae Russell. Two consecutive plays with a pass interference called on No. 6.

KeiVarae Russell has an interception and two pass interference calls. That last one gives USC a first and goal on the Notre Dame 1 yard-line.

He saved a touchdown, but that one could be disastrous.

This is why you need touchdowns, Notre Dame.

Max Wittek hits Marqise Lee for a 54-yard reception! USC is down to the Notre Dame 1-yard line.

If Notre Dame could score touchdowns, this wouldn't be an issue. But they've allowed one of the most powerful receiving corps in college football history to work their way back into this.

Notre Dame 22, USC 13 — 5:00 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

Marqise Lee with a 44-yard kickoff return to the USC 45. This is what Southern California needs to get back into this.

Notre Dame 22, USC 13 — 5:55 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

With Martin on the sidelines, the USC Trojans promptly break through the right side and force Everett Golson into a poor throw. Yet another failed touchdown opportunity in the redzone.

After a near delay of game penalty, Kyle Brindza comes on and converts the 19-yard field goal. Five kicks made on the game by Brindza.

Harry How/Getty Images

Notre Dame 22, USC 13 — 5:58 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

Notre Dame's redzone offense has been the worst in the nation in terms of scoring touchdowns. Their chances just decreased tackle Zack Martin suffering an apparent injury.

Notre Dame 19, USC 13 — 6:22 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

Theo Riddick gains yet another first down and that's over 200 yards on the ground now for the Fighting Irish. Everett Golson started hot, cooled down quickly and the ND running backs have made up for any passing deficiencies.

134 yards and a touchdown from Riddick.

Notre Dame 19, USC 13 — 7:28 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

George Atkinson III with a huge return to the Notre Dame 45 and the Irish start this one with exceptional field position. One play later, Theo Riddick carries it all the way down to the USC 37.

The BCS Title Game is getting closer and closer.

USC is unable to convert on third-and-goal. Andre Heidari comes on and converts the 21-yard field goal.

Trojans within six.

Max Wittek to Marqise Lee for a touchdown... But he drops it! Or does he?

Lane Kiffin with a very un-wise timeout.

Can they hold on?

After 3, Notre Dame is up 19-10 over USC. One quarter stands between ND and a National Championship game.

— Brian Groce (@naptownbuzz) November 25, 2012

Who else?

Manti Te'o stops Silas Redd in his tracks and prevents the touchdown. Fights off a hard block to make the stop.

On Second and 15, Max Wittek finds Robert Woods for 16 yards. Woods has been huge today as Notre Dame has bottled up Marqise Lee.

Silas Redd says "my turn," taking it to the Notre Dame 35. One play later, Robert Woods steps up for yet another first down reception.

Woods is finding his way into holes in zone coverage, mainly by virtue of the read option routes coach Lane Kiffin is drawing up.

Notre Dame 19, USC 10 — 11:45 remaining in the Fourth Quarter

Max Wittek hits Marqise Lee one play after finding Robert Woods. USC is finding a rhythm. and that spells trouble for ND, as they simply cannot find a way to score touchdowns.

For those interested, one-loss Clemson is down 27-17 to South Carolina. That breeds the potential for ND's competition to be eliminated.

Notre Dame 19, USC 10 —14:00 remaining in the Fourth Quarter