USC Falls to Notre Dame 34-24 in Rainy Rivalry Showdown

URGENT UPDATE: The USC Trojans suffered a devastating 34-24 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a rain-soaked showdown at Notre Dame Stadium on October 14, 2023. This defeat not only jeopardizes USC’s hopes for a College Football Playoff bid, but also raises questions about the future of one of college football’s most storied rivalries.

The scene was set with ominous dark clouds looming over Touchdown Jesus as heavy rain drenched the stadium, symbolizing the potential end of a century-long rivalry. Despite both teams expressing a desire to continue their matchup, the outcome of this game leaves USC’s playoff aspirations hanging by a thread.

Earlier in the fourth quarter, the tide appeared to shift when Notre Dame missed a 31-yard field goal. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava quickly capitalized on the opportunity, connecting with wideout Makai Lemon for a crucial 42-yard gain, igniting hopes for a Trojans comeback.

However, disaster struck when Coach Lincoln Riley opted for a risky trick play. Lemon, after receiving a handoff from Maiava, attempted to throw but was quickly surrounded by the Notre Dame defense. The ball was stripped away in a rare misstep, leading to a critical turnover.

Notre Dame seized the moment, with quarterback C.J. Carr scoring a one-yard touchdown shortly after, effectively sealing the game for the Irish. The loss marks a significant setback for USC, who now face an uphill battle to remain relevant in the playoff race.

As the rivalry hangs in the balance, both teams will be scrutinizing their performance as they prepare for upcoming matchups. Fans and players alike are left to ponder whether this was truly the last chapter in a historic series.

The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for the Trojans as they regroup and look to recover from this challenging defeat.

Stay tuned for updates on USC’s playoff hopes and the potential continuation of this iconic rivalry.