The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and USC Trojans rivalry is easily one of the most storied in college football history. This article digs into the origins, wild evolution, and those unforgettable moments that have hooked fans for almost a century.
From its chaotic beginnings in the 1920s to the question marks hanging over its future, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry has shaped college football in ways that are hard to ignore. It’s produced moments that stick with you, whether you wanted them to or not.
The Birth of a National Rivalry
Back in the mid-1920s, Notre Dame and USC decided to square off, kicking off the first big intersectional rivalry in college football. Unlike most rivalries, this wasn’t just a battle between neighbors—it meant teams had to travel across the country, which was kind of a big deal back then.
The first game in 1926 set the tone for the chaos to come. Notre Dame squeaked out three of the first four wins by just a single point each time. Talk about drama.
Early Years and National Impact
People noticed pretty quickly. Huge crowds turned up in Chicago and Los Angeles, hoping to witness history—or just a really good game. The 1931 matchup, the first after Notre Dame legend Knute Rockne passed, ended with USC pulling off a dramatic win and grabbing the national championship.
That era really locked in the rivalry as a can’t-miss event for college football fans. You could feel the stakes every year.
Decades of Dominance
The pendulum kept swinging. Notre Dame owned the rivalry from 1940-61, then USC took over from 1967-82.
The Irish bounced back from 1983-95, only for the Trojans to run wild from 1996-2009. These shifts? They kept things interesting, and nobody could ever get too comfortable.
Classic Encounters
- 1947: Notre Dame, with Heisman-winner Johnny Lujack at the helm, crushed USC 38-7 and locked down the national title.
- 1964: USC, led by future Heisman winner Mike Garrett, pulled off a comeback over top-ranked Notre Dame. That one still stings for Irish fans.
- 1974: “The Comeback.” USC erased a 24-0 hole and won 55-24, with Anthony Davis running in six touchdowns. Unreal.
- 1988: No. 1 vs. No. 2. Notre Dame took it 27-10 and went on to win the national championship. That game had a little bit of everything.
The Modern Era
The rivalry hasn’t lost its edge in recent years. The 2005 “Bush Push” game? USC edged out Notre Dame 34-31, with Reggie Bush literally shoving Matt Leinart into the end zone for the win.
That moment kind of sums up the whole thing: high drama, controversy, and a finish that people still argue about.
Challenges and Uncertain Future
The future of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry feels shaky, honestly. The only breaks since 1926 were during World War II (1943-45) and in 2020 because of the pandemic.
Now, with no games scheduled after this year, it’s tough to say what’s next. Both Marcus Freeman and Lincoln Riley have said they’d love to keep it going, but between conference chaos and scheduling headaches, it’s all up in the air.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry has stood tall in college football for almost a century.
It’s left an undeniable mark on the sport, shaping history and giving fans some wild, unforgettable moments.
If you want to dig deeper into the stories and highlights from this legendary matchup, check out the full article on ESPN.
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