USC Falls to Notre Dame 34-24 in Rain-Soaked Rivalry Showdown

UPDATE: The USC Trojans suffered a crushing 34-24 defeat against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a rain-soaked showdown at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023. The loss has left USC’s hopes for a College Football Playoff bid hanging by a thread.

In what could be the final chapter of a storied rivalry, ominous dark clouds loomed over the iconic Touchdown Jesus as both teams battled not only each other but the relentless downpour. With both USC and Notre Dame expressing a desire to continue the rivalry, this game may represent a significant turning point.

As the game progressed, USC appeared poised for a comeback. After Notre Dame missed a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava connected with wideout Makai Lemon for a stunning 42-yard gain, shifting the momentum in favor of USC.

However, a critical misstep quickly derailed their hopes. Coach Lincoln Riley called for an audacious trick play in a moment of desperation. Lemon took the handoff but was quickly surrounded by the Notre Dame defense. Attempting to throw, he lost the ball, marking a pivotal turn in the game.

In just seven plays, the Fighting Irish capitalized on the turnover, with quarterback C.J. Carr rushing in a one-yard touchdown, sealing the Trojans’ fate and leaving fans in shock.

This loss not only extinguishes USC’s playoff aspirations but also raises questions about the future of this iconic rivalry, as the two teams have met for nearly a century. As emotions run high, fans are left to ponder the implications of this defeat.

Looking ahead, eyes will be on both programs as they navigate the aftermath of this game. Will USC bounce back in their upcoming matchups, or will this loss linger in their pursuit of a playoff spot? Stay tuned for further developments in this unfolding story.