![]() 1 USC’s 34-31 victory over the green-jerseyed Irish.Įven Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis agreed Bush had simply been trying to win, even if he strayed onto the gray edge of the rule book. The Bush Push game might have been the most entertaining, with a back-and-forth game culminating in Reggie Bush’s push of quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone in the final seconds of No. With Notre Dame two wins away from its first national title since 1988, the Coliseum is an ideal setting for a memorable win.Īlthough the rivalry was one-sided in recent years, it produced several memorable moments - most of them less regrettable than USC receiver Ronald Johnson’s horrific drop of a sure touchdown pass with 1:17 to play on a rainy night in Los Angeles two years ago. Notre Dame went unbeaten in 13 straight meetings from 1983-95, and USC lost only twice from 1967-82. The series, which dates to 1926 when Knute Rockne first brought Notre Dame to the West Coast, has been dominated by one team for long stretches in the past half-century or so. That would definitely change it, but it’s our part to make sure we’re up there, too.” “I’m sure as these kids grew up with the, whatever it was, eight straight (wins for USC), I’m sure they weren’t watching the same type of games that 20 years ago, kids were watching. ![]() “That will naturally change it,” Kiffin said. In fact, Kiffin welcomes Notre Dame’s success under Kelly, believing it’s the only way to make his players understand what’s special about the matchup. The Shillelagh was introduced in 1952 by the Notre Dame. We’re dealing with 17- to 21-year-old kids, and for whatever reason, they don’t come in here understanding that, so we work on that.” The Jeweled Shillelagh is the Gaelic Hammer awarded annually to the winner of this historic rivalry. “We try to work on that, (but) I don’t think that’s natural to them,” USC coach Lane Kiffin said. Brian Kelly is making this feel all too normal, and the Irish look comfortable to still make a serious run to the playoffs.The USC-Notre Dame rivalry carries more weight for alumni and former players than the current stars in uniform. What feels normal, is that despite its possible whereabouts right now, The Jewled Shillelagh is coming home to Notre Dame. For Brian Kelly, he stated the obvious, “Well, just your normal USC Notre Dame football game I guess.” No rivalry game can honestly be called, “weird” as history has shown that in these type of games, almost anything can happen (please see the MIchigan / Michigan State game for weird). The rivals went into halftime tied up at 24 all.Īfter a back and forth third quarter that saw just one score, a short USC pass for a touchdown in the middle of the quarter, Notre Dame scored 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter quarter along with 2 interceptions of Kessler to put the game away with a final of 41-31. Instead, USC got themselves two quick touchdowns (a 73 yard pass to Greene and a 83 yard pass to Jackson). at the goaline to stop the Irish from going up 28-10. Adoree jackson stripped Irish receiver Tori Hunter Jr. They were so hot, that USC caught flames themselves. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports Notre Dame defeats Southern California 41-31. South Bend, IN, USA Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after the game against the Southern California Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium. Former USC Trojan Amir Carlilse was gifted the ball off of the block and did a scoop and score. ![]() ![]() On the end of the club is engraved the following: From the Emerald Isle. ![]() The second, was off of a blocked punt- the first blocked punt for a TD since 2010 against Utah. The shillelagh, an Irish club, is made of oak or blackthorn saplings from Ireland. The first was another big chunk CJ Prosise touchdown run as Prosise finished the night with 143 yards and two touchdowns. DeShone Kizer hooked up with Will Fuller for a 75 yard touchdown on their first play.Īfter a USC field goal, Notre Dame rattled off two quick touchdowns to take a 21-10 lead in the first quarter. On Notre Dame’s ensuing drive, the Irish made sure to answer with a non-drive. The Jeweled Shillelagh The shillelagh came to be regarded as a stereotypical symbol of Irishness in popular culture, particularly in an Irish-American context. Another slow start for the Fighting Irish? Perhaps not. The Trojans came out ready to play as they took their opening drive down the field for a touchdown. Before the game even started, USC Athletic Director and former Notre Dame football analyst for NBC Pat Haden, collapsed on the sideline and was sent to seek medical help. In a rivalry game that had what seemed to be an endless amount of odd storylines already, got weirder inside Notre Dame Stadium. Well, just your normal USC Notre Dame football game I guess.Or did it? According to some Notre Dame insiders, USC did not even bring the Jeweled Shillelagh Trophy to South Bend with them. ![]()
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