#9 IRISH RUSH PAST SOUTHERN CAL 30-27

In what was a wild Saturday of football, it took Notre Dame all 60 minutes to defeat the visiting USC Trojans. After jumping to a 20-6 lead early in the third quarter it seemed that Notre Dame may be able to pull away from the Trojans. However, the Trojans would outscore the Fighting Irish 24-13 the rest of the way. 

The Fighting Irish took possession of the ball with a three-point lead at their own 25-yardline with just over 10 minutes remaining of the game. Ian Book led the Irish on a 14 play, 7-minute drive that ended with an eight-yard rushing touchdown for Book. Despite being down 10 with just over three minutes to play, USC would march down the field to score a touchdown with just over a minute remaining setting up an onside kick situation which was ultimately unsuccessful. 

Ian Book finished the game with 165 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown to go along with 49 rushing yards and 1 rushing touchdown. Tony Jones Jr. led the way on the ground racking up an impressive 176 yards rushing. Braden Lenzy would also add a rushing touchdown on a 51-yard scoring play. Sophomore Kicker Jonathan Doerer had a perfect day for the Irish going 3/3 on extra points and 3/3 on field goals including a 52-yarder that he made in the third quarter. 

The Irish going into a bye week before the highly anticipated matchup with the 5-1 Michigan Wolverines. 

Story by Joey Denney

Photo credit: UND.com