Let’s talk about one of the most electric rivalries in college football: Notre Dame vs USC. This rivalry has been through World War II, World War III, The Great Depression, and so on and on. This isn’t just a game—It’s tradition, tension, and a shot at glory all wrapped into one. Marcus Freeman has Notre Dame thriving this season at 10-1, while Lincoln Riley’s Trojans are low-key limping into this final showdown at 6-5. But rivalries? They don’t care about the records. With the Fighting Irish eyeing the playoffs and USC desperate to spoil the party in historic fashion, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame. This Saturday at the historic Coliseum—it’s about to go down.
Marcus Freeman didn’t inherit a playoff team caliber in late 2021. The man’s built the team, brick by brick. He’s rewriting the Notre Dame tale. Fun Fact for you: Marcus Freeman is the first black coach in the program’s history. So safe to say, it’s all meritocracy. Also, the youngest head coach in the program’s history since the 1950s. He’s been a breath of fresh air—Indomitable defense, hardcore-run game, relentless recruiting, and an energy that has Notre Dame fans pumped.
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When it comes to USC, Freeman has already built quite a resume. But in 2021, as Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator, his defense man-handled the Trojans in a 31-16 win, silencing USC’s air game like it was Sunday brunch. Fast forward to 2022: Freeman’s first season as head coach. He faced an over-powered USC team led by zesty Heisman winner Caleb Williams, and let’s be real—the Trojans owned that night, handing Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame a 38-27 loss, his first rivalry loss. Caleb Williams ran the tracks on Marcus Freeman’s defense with 4 total touchdowns. This was a wake-up call for Freeman.
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Then came October 2023, and Freeman took the script into his own hands. Notre Dame literally baptized USC in a diabolical 48-20 beat-down that had Caleb Williams acting straight. Notre Dame’s defense didn’t just show up; they showed out, making Lincoln Riley and the Trojans look like they were playing a catch-up game all night. Heading into this Saturday’s showdown, Freeman is 2-1 against USC. Another W? It could cement his status as the Trojan’s kryptonite.
The 95th edition of this rivalry
Notre Dame versus USC—this matchup screams ‘The Game’. They’ve been going for each other’s throats since 1926. These two have faced 94 times, with Notre Dame leading the all-time series 51-38-5. Yes, the stakes are high, said it already, but this year? The tension’s different. Notre Dame has everything to lose. On the other end, Lincoln and the Trojans have nothing to lose. Notre Dame is on the cusp of playoff glory, while USC, well, they’re playing for pride.
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Marcus Freeman is already feeling the pressure on his spine, “This will truly be our biggest challenge to date, for multiple reasons,” Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said. “The noise and the things outside of this game that have nothing to do with this game, that’s going to be a reason why it’s a challenge.” & Lincoln Riley summed it up perfectly: “It’s a rivalry game. There’s a lot of history behind it. Two great programs. Played in iconic places.”
This Weekend marks the 95th edition of this epic rivalry, and one thing’s for sure—there’s no love lost between these teams, maybe. Whether it’s playoff pressure or a chance to play spoiler, everything’s on the line. Ain’t no better stage than Coliseum, and the spotlight? It’s burning bright. Will the man (Marcus) in the arena get it right?
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Can Marcus Freeman cement his legacy as USC's kryptonite, or will the Trojans spoil Notre Dame's playoff dreams?
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Can Marcus Freeman cement his legacy as USC's kryptonite, or will the Trojans spoil Notre Dame's playoff dreams?
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