The lowdown: The game started almost perfectly for the Trojans, delivering a USC vs. Notre Dame score more indicative that their potential than their recent form. With a pass-happy air raid-esque passing attack, JT Daniels dazzled early, including on an eight-play, 78-yard drive to kickoff the game. He led USC to a 10-0 lead through the game’s first 18 minutes, a span that saw the Trojans gain 206 yards against the Fighting Irish’s No. 3-ranked defense in S&P+, more than they had all game against Utah last month.
But the 10-0 lead would go the same route of USC’s long list of first half leads this season, for just about the same reasons: missed opportunities.