USC vs. Notre Dame: Matt Barkley and 5 Players Who Must Step Up to Beat Irish

The USC and Notre Dame rivalry is one of the biggest in sports and will be in the national spotlight this upcoming week.

Although the two teams are not ranked and are not two of the elite teams in the country this season, they do boast some elite talent.

The USC Trojans have been solid this season, but have not been firing at all cylinders like an elite program should. As they head into South Bend against an equally talented team, there are certain players that must step up to win this game.

I am going to break down some of the players that need to step up for the Trojans to win this game.

Defensive End Nick Perry

Nick Perry is one of the top tacklers on an inconsistent pass rush defense. This athletic defensive line has been able to slow down the team’s rushing abilities, but struggle to put pressure on quarterbacks on passing plays. 

Perry must get some sort of pressure on Irish quarterback Tommy Rees so it slows down the connection that he has been having with receiver Michael Floyd.

Much has been expected when he predicted that he would get 15 sacks earlier this season. Midway through the season, he currently has four sacks, so he has a long way to go to reach his prediction. The Trojans need Perry to use his athleticism against one of the best left tackles in country in Zack Martin. 

Nick Perry is the type of player that can change the complexion of this Notre Dame game. He has the talent to be the best defensive end in the country. If he steps up and has a great game, the Trojans can win.

Safety TJ McDonald

Safety TJ McDonald is great at stuffing the running and laying out receivers who come across the middle. His type of play reminds me of ex-safety Roy Williams when he played for the Cowboys. McDonald is like a smaller linebacker who loves to make big hits. The problem that Williams had and that McDonald currently has is their pass coverage ability. 

McDonald seems lost at times on the field when receivers are weaving in and out on the field. He is going to have a tough time covering the speedy Michael Floyd over the top. With Floyd on the field, I’m not sure if McDonald will ever be able to stay near the line of scrimmage. 

Notre Dame will try to pass the ball early on to keep McDonald from being aggressive on their running game. McDonald has had problems, as receivers do tend to get behind him. He needs to read the coverages and play solid help defense. 

If the Trojans want to win this game, safety McDonald must improve his pass coverage ability and not let the Irish receivers get behind him.

Left Tackle Matt Kalil

The Trojan left tackle has had a steady incline throughout his career and has the ability to be one of the best left tackles in the country. He is hands down the best lineman on a poor, inconsistent offensive line.

His ability to block the top defensive ends in the country and protect quarterback Barkley’s blindside when USC is passing the ball is key. He is the anchor of the offensive line, and if he is able to keep Barkley upright, then the passing attack will flourish. 

The problem that USC’s offense has been having is getting the running game going. The area that Kalil needs to improve on is his run blocking ability. Running back Curtis McNeal will get the boat load of the carries on the ground and will be running behind Kalil on almost every play.  

The Trojans will look to run behind Kalil, and he must get the running game going.

Running Back Curtis McNeal

Running back Curtis McNeal will finally get his chance as the full-time back in this game with regular starter Marc Taylor likely out with a dislocated shoulder.

Last week against Cal, McNeal got a chance to carry the load and did not disappoint. He managed to get 86 yards on 17 carries for the game, giving quarterback Matt Barkley some balance on offense. 

McNeal is only 5’7" and 180 lbs and has had his problems with eligibility, but he has been the best USC running back running between the tackles. He is averaging seven yards a carry, which is better then any other Trojan back. 

This is McNeal's big chance to prove that he is a No. 1 running back, and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. If he can step up and gain yards on every carry, then he will be able to set up the play action for Barkley. 

Curtis McNeal will be one of the keys for the Trojans to beat a good Notre Dame team.

Wide Receiver Robert Woods

Statistically, Robert Woods has been the best receiver in the country. The sophomore has been dominate getting separation from defenders and catching everything his way. 

Woods has consistently averaged more then eight receptions and over 100 yards a game until last week when USC played Cal. Although USC came out with a convincing win, Woods only managed five catches for 36 yards. This type of performance will not bring a win against a solid Notre Dame team.  

Woods must look to get open as much as possible and continue the mind-boggling connection that he and Barkley have had throughout the season.

Quarterback Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley is one of the top NFL quarterback prospects, but he hasn’t had the statistical season that many had expected.  

Last week against Cal, Barkley completed 19-of-35 passes and missed a lot of capable passes. He needs to be more efficient and should be able to against an inconsistent Irish secondary. With the running game and offensive line influx at times, USC and Barkley will have to do it in the air. 

He doesn’t have the most accurate arm, but he does have the ability to throw the ball down the field and connect with his speedy receivers.

Last season, Notre Dame ended USC’s eight-game winning streak in the matchup, but Matt Barkley did not play. He missed this rivalry game and is looking for redemption from last season. Look for Barkley to step up big and get the ball moving through the air.