Creature vs. Creature: An Irish Perspective on USC-Notre Dame

Trey Bradley

Senior Writer Written on October 14, 2009

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 03: Manti Te'o #5 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish awaits the start of play against the Washington Huskies on October 3, 2009 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Washington 37-30 in overtime. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

The implications of this game are astounding and range from BCS Championship hopes to future recruiting hauls.

I've also written about what Saturday's showdown means for Charlie Weis' future.

Now, bragging rights between Lisa Horne and me are also on the line.

One Notre Dame player USC can't contain: Manti Te'o

T'eo is the only Irish defensive talent who would definitively start for the Trojans, and the recruiting war Weis won over Pete Carroll for this linebacker's services could immediately translate to a win on the field.

The freshman's playing time and production has been steadily increasing. He was the second-leading tackler in the overtime win over Washington. His speed and nose for the ball will produce the turnover Notre Dame must have to pull off the upset.

One weakness the Irish must conceal: Run defense

Notre Dame ranks 68th in this category nationally. USC is averaging better than 200 yards per game on the ground. The Irish need a lot of possessions to win and must be able to force a young quarterback to beat them.

Weis and Clausen will come through under pressure

The late-game heroics have to mean something. What they tell me is that Clausen is impervious to adversity, pressure, and expectations...maybe even injury. I know for a fact the Heisman hype won't affect Clausen. This is the game he was recruited to win. It's also the game Weis was hired to win. Both are too gifted to let what could be their last chance escape them.

Carroll's coaching staff owns the Irish...but Carroll's coaching staff is in Washington

Irish fans have to believe that Notre Dame exorcised some demons two weeks ago against the Huskies. For years, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt ate Weis' lunch. Carroll has done the same for even longer. No, I'm not setting up a fat joke—just pointing out that Weis needs to finish the job by severing the head of the snake on Saturday.

Prediction

Notre Dame builds a halftime lead and holds off the late-charging Trojans, 27-24, as USC misses a long field goal as time expires. See you in South Bend!

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written on October 14, 2009 Opinion