Notre Dame Football: Why Brian Kelly Has to Beat USC

In the heated rivalry between USC and Notre Dame, Brian Kelly looks to go 2-0 versus the Trojans and solidify his spot as head coach. 

Kelly's Irish have found their identity over the last couple weeks and look to extend their winning streak from four to five. The team standing in their way: the USC Trojans.

USC has been playing well this year and will come into the game with a strong record of 5-1. Quarterback Matt Barkley has played fantastic this season.

Kelly wants to solidify his spot as the head honcho in Notre Dame, and beating USC will be a big step for both he and the Irish.

With a bye week, the Irish have time to prepare for the game. Kelly will have to put his best team on the field if he wants to hoist the Jeweled Shillelagh and the support of all the Notre Dame fans. 

Reason 1: Keep Possession of the Jeweled Shillelagh

USC is arguably Notre Dame's biggest rival. That said, the Irish have the upper hand because they are currently in control of the rivalry trophy, the Jeweled Shillelagh.

Kelly must keep the trophy in the Irish's hands. The Irish lead the overall series, 43-33-5. Kelly and the Irish are looking for a way to extend the lead they have over the Trojans, and Kelly wants to win the trophy for the first time as head coach.

Kelly is 1-0 versus the Trojans and he will go into the game looking to stay undefeated.

Reason 2: Keep the Win Streak Alive

The Irish are riding high with a momentous four-game win streak. Coming off a bye week this week will try and extend the streak to five.

Why is this important? The Irish have finally began to play solid football, and USC is a team that can knock them off their hot streak. 

The Irish have shaken off their 0-2 shaky start and are looking to climb into the rankings. Their team has the talent, but they need the mindset as well.

Kelly has to make sure his Irish are concentrated on the task at hand. It is a rivalry game and emotions will be high. If Kelly can settle his troops and play a solid, turnover-free game, they should hoist the Jeweled Shillelagh once more.

Reason 3: Make a Push in the Rankings

The BCS Rankings are the most important part of college football. Every team wants to be in the national championship hunt and the Irish are no different.

Even though they have lost two games on the year so far, the Irish are riding high on a four-game win streak.

For the Irish, a win against a good team in the USC Trojans may be just what they need to both keep the momentum up and also make their way into the Top 25.

If the Irish win out, they might even have a shot at the championship. It is a long shot, but it is better than nothing. However, if they lose, their national championship hopes are all but over.

Reason 4: Keep Fan Support

For Notre Dame, fan support is everything. The fans and followers of the Irish have seen their team falter year after year and are finally seeing them turn over a new leaf as they shook off a terrible start to the season.

In order for Kelly to keep the fan support up, he will have to have an impressive victory over the Trojans.

With fans finally believing in the team again, the worst thing that Kelly could do is lose a game, especially against the team's most hated rivals, the Trojans. 

Notre Dame has once again sold out the stadium, so this is a must win game for Kelly.

A win will return to prominence in the eyes of the fans once more. If Kelly loses, the fans will once again give up hopes on a very talented team.

Reason 5: You Cannot Lose a Home Game, Especially Under the Lights

Plain and simple: The Irish cannot afford to lose a home game, especially when facing the Trojans.

Oct. 22, 2011 will mark the first night game that the Irish host in 21 years.

The last home game played under the lights was in 1990, when the Irish defeated Michigan 28-24, according to Rantsports.com. Kelly would like to win another one under the lights for his team.

With a sold out home crowd, Kelly and the Irish will have to win the game for the team, the coach and the crowd.

Emotions will be running high on both sides of the field. If Kelly can keep his team composed and error free, he should see his team on a five-game win streak as well as hoist the Jeweled Shillelagh for a second straight year.