Biggest Winners, Losers in USC Trojans' 34-24 Loss to Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s ground game dominated USC, totaling over 300 rushing yards and forcing key turnovers. Betting implication: back Notre Dame to cover short spreads and favor rushing props; be cautious on USC team totals and consider unders or avoiding USC moneyline until their turnover issues and run defense improve.

Notre Dame’s Rushing Assault Sinks No. 20 USC, 34-24

Notre Dame’s powerful run game and timely takeaways propelled the Fighting Irish to a 34-24 home win over No. 20 USC. The victory extended Notre Dame’s winning streak and dealt USC a second loss, significantly denting the Trojans’ playoff hopes.

Game Defining Moments

Notre Dame Controls the Line

Notre Dame piled up more than 300 rushing yards, led by Jeremiyah Love’s career-high 228 yards and Jadarian Price’s physical contributions, including an 87-yard effort and a 100-yard kick-return touchdown that swung momentum. The Fighting Irish consistently won the trenches, turning sustained ground success into scoring drives and field-position advantages.

USC Turnovers and Missed Opportunities

USC’s offense squandered opportunities with critical turnovers. Quarterback Jayden Maiava threw two interceptions, and a trick-play attempt resulted in a forced fumble that flipped possession. A late fourth-and-inches pass attempt instead of a conservative play also cost USC a chance to sustain a drive. Those miscues, combined with Notre Dame’s special-teams scoring, sealed USC’s fate.

Standout Performances

Jeremiyah Love Dominates

Love delivered a milestone performance with a career-high rushing night and five catches for 37 yards, anchoring a ground attack that routinely broke tackles and wore down USC’s front seven.

Ja’Kobi Lane Shines Despite Loss

USC receiver Ja’Kobi Lane posted one of his best outings since returning from injury, finishing with 111 receiving yards on six catches and a 59-yard touchdown that gave USC a temporary lead. Lane’s size and contested-catch ability remain the Trojans’ most reliable big-play outlet.

Where USC Fell Short

Run Defense Collapses

USC’s front seven struggled to contain Notre Dame’s backs, allowing the bulk of the opposition’s rushing production and failing to set the edge. The Trojans finished with one of their worst defensive run efforts of the season, surrendering consistent chunks on the ground.

Rushing Attack Ineffective

With key backs sidelined, USC managed only 68 rushing yards as King Miller and Bryan Jackson could not sustain drives. Negative rushing plays from scrambles and limited production in short-yardage situations made the Trojans one-dimensional at times.

Betting Implications and What Punters Should Know

Notre Dame’s dominance on the ground and USC’s turnover issues suggest bettors should favor Notre Dame in similar matchups, particularly on spreads and rushing props. Consider backing Notre Dame to cover short spreads and targeting Love or team rushing-over props. Punters should be cautious on USC totals and lean toward unders on USC scoring outputs until the Trojans fix ball security and run defense.

Looking Ahead

USC faces a crucial road test at No. 25 Nebraska next, where run defense and ball security will be under the microscope. Notre Dame’s win buys the Fighting Irish momentum as they look to maintain their climb in the rankings.

In the Trojans 34-24 loss against the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the defeat was defined by Notre Dame's elite rushing offense, and costly USC turnovers.

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