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Though Playoff and winning records aren't on the line, USC vs. Notre Dame still matters

A struggling USC team had just started an effectively meaningless game in 1996 when quarterback Brad Otton overheard a sideline conversation between an athletic trainer and USC’s coach, John Robinson.

Otton had suffered bruises to his ribs and sternum a week earlier and needed a pregame shot of Toradol, an anti-inflammatory, to bear the pain in this, the season finale. Then, during the first drive, he took a helmet to the chest and needed to be helped off.

”He's done,” Robinson told the trainer, worried Otton might be seriously injured. “I don't want him back out there anymore.