Notre Dame Triumphs Over USC 34-24, Key Stats Highlight Victory

Notre Dame secured a hard-fought victory against USC, winning 34-24 on the night of October 18, 2025, in South Bend, Indiana. This win marks yet another chapter in the storied rivalry, enhancing Notre Dame’s record to 5-2 and keeping its aspirations for the College Football Playoff alive. Despite a less-than-perfect performance, key statistics reveal crucial elements that shaped the outcome of the game.

Defensive Resilience and Game-Changing Plays

The Fighting Irish displayed determination, especially on defense, where they rebounded from earlier calls for defensive coordinator Chris Ash to be replaced. While the defense has not yet reached the heights of last season’s National Championship run, it showed significant improvement when it mattered most. Late in the third quarter, trailing 24-21, Jadarian Price electrified the crowd by returning a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, swinging the momentum back in Notre Dame’s favor. Following that play, USC struggled, gaining just 85 yards on their final four possessions, with two drives ending in interceptions.

The defensive effort was bolstered by standout performances from cornerback Dallas Golden and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, who played pivotal roles in stopping USC’s advances when the game was on the line.

Record-Breaking Performance on the Ground

One of the most notable statistics from the game was the remarkable performance by Notre Dame’s running back Jeremiyah Love, who rushed for a staggering 228 yards. This achievement set a new record for the most rushing yards by a Notre Dame player in a single game at Notre Dame Stadium, a venue that has hosted countless legendary athletes since its opening in 1930. In stark contrast, USC’s rushing attack was largely ineffective, managing only 68 yards throughout the game.

Despite USC’s strategy to limit the effectiveness of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr, who averaged over 15 yards per completion going into the game, Carr’s performance was subdued. He struggled to connect on deep passes, with no completions exceeding 15 yards, primarily relying on short throws throughout the night.

The match was not without its controversies, as Notre Dame fans expressed dissatisfaction with officiating decisions. While some calls were perceived as questionable, it reflects a broader issue within football officiating that continues to spark debate among fans and analysts alike.

While Notre Dame’s defense shone, the team will need to address its third and fourth down conversion struggles, finishing only 4 of 13 in those situations. This inefficiency resulted in missed scoring opportunities and indicates that improvements are necessary as the team looks to solidify its position in the playoff race.

As Notre Dame prepares for the remainder of the season, Coach Marcus Freeman emphasized the importance of refining their execution to become a more complete team. With five regular-season games left, the Fighting Irish aim to build on this victory and enhance their playoff viability as they continue their pursuit of a national championship.