The Notre Dame Fighting Irish get back on the field on Saturday night to renew a longtime series that was temporarily interrupted last year by the pandemic. Prior to 2020, the USC Trojans had faced the Irish every year since 1946, with Notre Dame holding the most recent advantage in the rivalry.
Part of the reason for that Irish success stems from the turmoil on USC’s sidelines that’s continued this season. Clay Helton started the season as head coach of the Trojans but was fired after two games and replaced by Donte Williams. After six games, Southern Cal has a 3-3 record, with inconsistent play helping to explain that mediocre mark.