USC: The key to win the game
By: GUEST BLOGGER from Conquest Chronicles
This weekend another chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in college football will be written. USC/Notre Dame has produced some great games over the years and as usual the stakes are high again this year. Both teams are in the hunt for a chance to play Ohio State in the BCS title game on January 8th in Glendale, AZ.
This rivalry is different because these two teams are not required to play each other because of conference requirements and because this game, scheduled for the sake of the rivalry, has become one of the most important rivalries in all of college football. There is always some sort of national implication at stake when these teams play. Whether it's a Heisman Trophy, a National Championship or a major bowl berth on the line, the road to the Promised Land must pass through either Los Angeles or South Bend.
This year is no different. USC, in what some would call a rebuilding year, is looking to return the title game for a 3rd straight year. Brady Quinn is in the hunt for Notre Dame's 8th Heisman Trophy and if he expects to beat out Ohio State's Troy Smith he needs to have a huge game. Head Coach Charlie Weis is looking to put last years disappointing loss behind him as he has been preparing for this game over the last several weeks.
Both teams each have one tough loss under their belt. USC's against unranked Oregon St. and Notre Dame's against #2 Michigan. USC's loss seemed to open their eyes and focus more on their game while Notre Dame almost gave up another one to Michigan St. but both teams seemed to have righted the ship.
Both of these teams have some big playmakers on offense so both defenses will need to be on their game in order to shut down each other's ability to break a big play. SC's defense is a little more seasoned with last years title run under their belt and their bend don't break style of play early in the season they have solidified their game and shut down some pretty potent offenses.
Look for both teams to mix it up with a balanced run and passing game but don't be surprised if both teams air it out. SC is coming off two decisive, while not pretty, wins as they are half way through the toughest part of their schedule, so SC will have the confidence it needs to take on a tough traditional rival. Notre Dame has had a somewhat easier time of it over the last 7 weeks so they will look to come out firing. The key to this game will be the play of offensive and defensive lines of both teams. Whoever dominates the other will determine the winner.
With 14 Heisman Trophies, 24 National Championships and countless star players between the programs, this rivalry matters because of what it represents. Two teams willing to put it on the line year in and year out regardless of the implications and because of the history and tradition that it has spawned over the years. It is a college football right of passage that will continue to have some exciting games in the years ahead not unlike those of the past.
This weekend another chapter in one of the most storied rivalries in college football will be written. USC/Notre Dame has produced some great games over the years and as usual the stakes are high again this year. Both teams are in the hunt for a chance to play Ohio State in the BCS title game on January 8th in Glendale, AZ.
This rivalry is different because these two teams are not required to play each other because of conference requirements and because this game, scheduled for the sake of the rivalry, has become one of the most important rivalries in all of college football. There is always some sort of national implication at stake when these teams play. Whether it's a Heisman Trophy, a National Championship or a major bowl berth on the line, the road to the Promised Land must pass through either Los Angeles or South Bend.
This year is no different. USC, in what some would call a rebuilding year, is looking to return the title game for a 3rd straight year. Brady Quinn is in the hunt for Notre Dame's 8th Heisman Trophy and if he expects to beat out Ohio State's Troy Smith he needs to have a huge game. Head Coach Charlie Weis is looking to put last years disappointing loss behind him as he has been preparing for this game over the last several weeks.
Both teams each have one tough loss under their belt. USC's against unranked Oregon St. and Notre Dame's against #2 Michigan. USC's loss seemed to open their eyes and focus more on their game while Notre Dame almost gave up another one to Michigan St. but both teams seemed to have righted the ship.
Both of these teams have some big playmakers on offense so both defenses will need to be on their game in order to shut down each other's ability to break a big play. SC's defense is a little more seasoned with last years title run under their belt and their bend don't break style of play early in the season they have solidified their game and shut down some pretty potent offenses.
Look for both teams to mix it up with a balanced run and passing game but don't be surprised if both teams air it out. SC is coming off two decisive, while not pretty, wins as they are half way through the toughest part of their schedule, so SC will have the confidence it needs to take on a tough traditional rival. Notre Dame has had a somewhat easier time of it over the last 7 weeks so they will look to come out firing. The key to this game will be the play of offensive and defensive lines of both teams. Whoever dominates the other will determine the winner.
With 14 Heisman Trophies, 24 National Championships and countless star players between the programs, this rivalry matters because of what it represents. Two teams willing to put it on the line year in and year out regardless of the implications and because of the history and tradition that it has spawned over the years. It is a college football right of passage that will continue to have some exciting games in the years ahead not unlike those of the past.
posted by NCAA Football at 12:40 PM
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