Notre Dame-USC: The Game That Will Make or Break the Irish

Whenever Notre Dame and USC play each other, there is always huge implications for each team in the games result. This year is no exception. Notre Dame has really charged after a frustrating 0-2 start. An Irish win would likely mean a return to the Top 25 and talks of BCS will be alive and well.

In recent weeks, Tommy Rees has been steadily improving each week. Michael Floyd is the best receiver in the nation. His supporting cast of Tyler Eifert, Theo Riddick and TJ Jones, also have stepped up in recent weeks, too. The Irish have also been running the ball really well with Cierre Wood and Jonas Gray.

This Irish defense has looked really good at times, this year. They have been tough and physical. They have been great against traditional running teams. They have struggled against teams with a running quarterback.

Manti Te'o has really been the leader of this defense. Robert Blanton is also having a great senior year at cornerback.

For USC, they really have no postseason hopes as they are still not eligible for a bowl or even to play in the inaugural Pac-12. Therefore, the Trojans only motivation is ruining Notre Dame's season. That would be their BCS.

It is hard to say how good this USC team is at this point. They are 5-1. However, the one loss was to Arizona State who just got beat by Oregon. The only time I have watched them this year was last Thursday against California. They did win comfortably but not impressively. Oregon had completely dominated the Golden Bears the week before.

For Notre Dame it is real simple, a win will put them back in the Top 25 and talks of BCS will be alive. A loss means that they have to prepare for yet another second-tier bowl game like the Hawaii Bowl and the Sun Bowl.