Fighting Irish Today

The University of Notre Dame football team (11-1) capped off an exhilarating 49-35 win over Southern Cal (6-6) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, extending its winning streak to 10 games and strengthening its position for a potential College Football Playoff berth. The intense contest, billed as the Greatest Intersectional Rivalry in college football, was decided by two pivotal defensive plays in the final moments.

Sophomore cornerback Christian Gray, who had a challenging but standout performance against the Trojans’ potent receiving corps, intercepted a pass at the one-yard line and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown, giving Notre Dame a 42-28 lead with 3:39 remaining. Southern Cal fought back, driving down the field, but the Irish defense responded with a perfectly timed blitz that forced a desperation pass, which Xavier Watts intercepted and returned 100 yards for another touchdown, sealing the game for the Irish.

In less than two minutes, Notre Dame recorded 199 yards of interception returns, effectively ending the game. Despite surrendering 557 total yards, including 360 passing yards, the Irish defense made crucial plays when it mattered most.

Offensively, Notre Dame was efficient, accumulating over 400 yards and punting just twice. Quarterback Riley Leonard completed 17-of-22 passes for 155 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 50 yards. Running backs Jadarian Price (112 yards) and Jeremiyah Love (99 yards) played key roles, helping the Irish amass 259 rushing yards—the most against Southern Cal since 2019 and the most at the Coliseum since 1996.

Tight ends Mitchell Evans and Eli Raridon each caught a touchdown pass from Leonard, who connected with eight different receivers. The 84 combined points set a record for the Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry, which dates back to 1926.

How It Happened:

Southern Cal began the game with a promising drive, moving into Notre Dame territory and earning two first downs before the Irish defense stood tall. Christian Gray broke up a pass and then stopped a fourth-down attempt, giving the Irish the ball at their 28-yard line.

On offense, Jeremiyah Love set the tone early, rushing for 36 yards on four carries, including a 19-yard burst that sparked the opening drive. After Leonard connected with Kris Mitchell for a key first down, Love capped the drive with a one-yard touchdown run to give Notre Dame a 7-0 lead.

Southern Cal responded with a quick score, capitalizing on a turnover after Jayden Thomas fumbled a pass. The Trojans tied the game at 7-7 with a quarterback sneak into the end zone.

Notre Dame continued to execute well, including a successful fake punt that saw Tyler Buchner connect with Mitchell Evans for 18 yards. The Irish moved into the red zone but stalled, with Mitch Jeter missing a field goal to keep the game tied.

The defense quickly forced a three-and-out, and the Irish offense capitalized, with Leonard finding tight end Eli Raridon for a touchdown to give Notre Dame a 14-7 lead. However, Southern Cal struck back with a 31-second, 77-yard drive to tie the game just before halftime.

After halftime, Notre Dame came out strong. Love gained 10 yards on the first play, then Leonard connected with Mitchell for 19 yards, setting up Jadarian Price for a 36-yard touchdown run, putting the Irish back on top, 21-14.

Southern Cal answered with another quarterback sneak for a touchdown, but the back-and-forth continued. Leonard scrambled for 24 yards to set up Price for a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Irish a 28-21 lead.

After a key defensive stop, Notre Dame’s offense marched down the field again. Price rushed for 35 yards, and Leonard threw a perfect pass to Mitchell Evans for a 23-yard touchdown, putting the Irish ahead 35-21.

Southern Cal had one more push, cutting the Irish lead to 35-28 with a six-yard touchdown pass. After a punt from Notre Dame, the Trojans quickly drove to the red zone, aided by a controversial 50-50 ball reception. With under six minutes remaining, the Trojans were threatening again, but Christian Gray’s 99-yard interception return put Notre Dame up 42-28.

Xavier Watts then sealed the win with a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown, matching Gray’s play and securing the 49-35 victory for the Irish.

Southern Cal added a meaningless touchdown in the final seconds, but the Irish walked off the field victorious, their 10th straight win in the books and a firm hold on their playoff hopes.