The Notre Dame-USC Rivalry: Origins, notable games, and moments
College football rivalries are a unique and exciting aspect of the sport, bringing together rival teams and fans with a shared history, passion, and intensity. One of the most longstanding and memorable rivalries in college football is the one between Notre Dame and USC.
Both teams have a long and storied history, and their rivalry dates back almost a century. This article explores the history of the Notre Dame-USC rivalry, the origins of the rivalry, notable games, and moments, and the significance of this rivalry to college football.
History of Notre Dame-USC Rivalry
The Notre Dame and USC rivalry has been ongoing since 1926, and the teams have faced each other a total of 92 times. Of these 92 games, Notre Dame has won 40, while USC has won 36, and there have been six ties.
Throughout the years, the rivalry has been known for its competitive spirit, fierce battles, and for producing some of the most memorable moments in college football history. The rivalry has produced some legendary coaches, including Knute Rockne for Notre Dame and John McKay for USC, who coached multiple games against one another.
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry was also known for its unique pregame traditions, including the Trojan marching band playing the Notre Dame fight song and vice versa.
Origin stories of the rivalry
The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC has some fascinating origin stories. According to legend, the rivalry began when the head coaches’ wives of both teams did not get along.
During the inaugural game between the two teams in 1926, the Notre Dame coaching staff allegedly had to bribe the officials to win the game. However, this has never been officially proven and is mostly based on hearsay.
First Notre Dame-USC game
The first game between Notre Dame and USC took place on December 4, 1926, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game was highly anticipated, especially since it was the first meeting between these two powerhouse teams.
Notre Dame won the game, 13-12, after a thrilling 62-yard touchdown pass in the final minute of the game.
Notable moments and players in the rivalry
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry has produced many memorable moments over the years, including some of the most iconic players in college football history playing for either team. For example, OJ Simpson played for USC from 1965 to 1968 and was one of the most dominant running backs in college football history.
He won the Heisman Trophy in 1968 and led USC to a victory over Notre Dame during his senior year. Another notable player in the rivalry was Notre Dame’s Jimmy Jones, who led the Fighting Irish to two victories over USC in 1966 and 1967.
Jones went on to have a successful NFL career and was known for his versatility as a quarterback and running back. He is still remembered for his iconic run against USC in the 1966 matchup, where he outran several USC defenders for a 68-yard touchdown.
Notable Rivalry Games
Over the years, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry has produced many unforgettable games. Here are three of the most memorable games in the rivalry’s history:
Green Jersey Game – 1977
In 1977, Notre Dame surprised everyone by wearing green jerseys to the game against USC, which was an unusual move since they typically wore navy blue jerseys. However, the move proved to be a good luck charm, as Notre Dame won the game, 49-19, with quarterback Joe Montana throwing for four touchdowns.
2005 Game
The 2005 game between Notre Dame and USC is known for one of the most controversial endings in college football history. Notre Dame was down by three points with seconds left in the game when quarterback Brady Quinn completed a 60-yard pass to receiver Jeff Samardzija, putting Notre Dame in field-goal range.
However, USC stopped Notre Dame’s attempt at a game-winning field goal. During the final drive, USC’s Reggie Bush pushed quarterback Matt Leinart into the end zone on a fourth-down play, resulting in a touchdown and a USC victory.
The play known as the “Bush Push” remains a controversial moment in college football history.
2017 Game
In 2017, Notre Dame beat USC, 49-14, in a game that featured six USC turnovers. Notre Dame quarterback Brandon Wimbush led the offense with two rushing touchdowns, while the defense held USC to just 76 rushing yards.
Notre Dame’s victory helped them continue their undefeated streak that season, and they eventually made it to the College Football Playoff.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of the most storied rivalries in college football. The history of this rivalry dates back almost a century, and it has produced some unforgettable moments in college football history.
While the rivalry has cooled off in recent years, it remains one of the most significant games on the college football schedule. Whether it is the unique traditions, championships, or rivalry games, Notre Dame and USC have created a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
The Notre Dame-USC Rivalry: Notable Coaches and Players
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry is one of the most storied and exciting rivalries in college football history. Along the way, the rivalry has produced some remarkable coaches and players who have left their mark on the game.
This article explores some of the most notable coaches and players in the Notre Dame-USC rivalry. Brian Kelly, Notre Dame Head Coach
Brian Kelly became the head coach of Notre Dame in 2010 and has transformed the program into a perennial contender.
Under Kelly’s leadership, Notre Dame has become one of the best defensive teams in the country, ranking in the top 15 in total defense in five of his ten seasons. Kelly is also the winningest coach in Notre Dame’s history, with a record of 102-39.
He has led the Fighting Irish to two national championship games, including one in 2012 when they lost to Alabama. Kelly has also produced multiple NFL draft picks, including Quenton Nelson, Ronnie Stanley, and Will Fuller.
Pete Carroll, USC Head Coach
Pete Carroll is one of the most successful coaches in USC’s history, winning two national championships and leading the Trojans to a remarkable 34 game winning streak. Carroll coached USC for nine seasons, from 2001-2009, and had a record of 97-19.
During his tenure as USC’s head coach, the Trojans became known for their dominant defenses and high-flying offenses, producing multiple All-Americans and future NFL stars such as Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Carroll’s success at USC earned him a spot in the NFL, where he led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in 2014.
He is considered one of the best coaches in college and professional football history and has produced multiple NFL draft picks such as Clay Matthews, Taylor Mays, and Rey Maualuga. Reggie Bush, USC Running Back
Reggie Bush is one of the most electrifying players in college football history.
He played for USC from 2003-2005, where he put together one of the most dominant and dynamic college football careers ever. Bush was a two-time All-American, won the Heisman Trophy in 2005, and helped lead the Trojans to two national championship games.
Bush’s speed and agility were unmatched, and he could score from anywhere on the field. In his three seasons at USC, Bush amassed 3,169 rushing yards, 1,301 receiving yards, and 38 total touchdowns.
Despite having his Heisman Trophy vacated due to NCAA violations, Bush remains one of the greatest college football players of all time, and his impact on USC’s football program cannot be overstated. Joe Montana, Notre Dame Quarterback
Joe Montana is one of the greatest quarterbacks in Notre Dame football history and played for the Fighting Irish from 1975-1978.
During his college career, Montana threw for 6,259 yards and 41 touchdowns and led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1977. Montana’s poise under pressure and clutch performances earned him the nickname “Joe Cool,” and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Montana’s success at Notre Dame helped him earn a spot in the NFL, where he led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and was named the Super Bowl MVP three times. Montana’s impact at Notre Dame and in the NFL cannot be overstated, and he remains a legend in the world of football.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame-USC rivalry has given us some of the most memorable coaches and players in college football history. These individuals have left their mark on the game and continue to inspire fans of both teams.
Whether it’s Brian Kelly’s winning record, Pete Carroll’s NFL success, Reggie Bush’s electrifying performances, or Joe Montana’s clutch performances, these individuals are a testament to the passion and excitement that exists within this storied rivalry. In conclusion, the Notre Dame-USC rivalry has been ongoing since 1926, producing some of the most legendary coaches and players in college football history.
Coaches such as Brian Kelly and Pete Carroll, and players such as Reggie Bush and Joe Montana, have left their mark on this storied rivalry. The passion and excitement that exists within this historic rivalry continue to draw viewers and create an unforgettable experience for fans of both Notre Dame and USC.
The takeaway is that the Notre Dame-USC rivalry remains one of the most significant games on the college football schedule, and the legacy of this rivalry will continue to inspire future generations. FAQs:
Q: How many times have Notre Dame and USC faced each other?
A: They have faced each other a total of 92 times. Q: Who is the winningest coach in Notre Dame’s history?
A: Brian Kelly is the winningest coach in Notre Dame’s history, with a record of 102-39. Q: Who is one of the most successful coaches in USC’s history?
A: Pete Carroll is one of the most successful coaches in USC’s history, winning two national championships and leading the Trojans to a remarkable 34 game-winning streak. Q: Who won the Heisman Trophy in 2005?
A: Reggie Bush won the Heisman Trophy in 2005. Q: Who led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1977?
A: Joe Montana led Notre Dame to a national championship in 1977.