As the third quarter concludes, Notre Dame leads USC 35-21. The Irish have dominated on the ground, while USC struggles to find consistency. Let's dive into the key moments and statistics that shaped this crucial period.
LC
by Len Clark
Offensive Showdown
Notre Dame's Ground Game
258 rushing yards with an 8.3-yard average per carry. Jadarian Price's 36-yard touchdown run highlighted their dominance.
Efficient Passing
Riley Leonard completed 16 of 20 passes for 150 yards. Mitchell Evans caught his second touchdown.
USC's Mixed Success
Jayden Maiava threw for 209 yards but struggled with consistency. The ground game gained 102 yards.
Statistical Breakdown
Notre Dame's Defensive Prowess
1
Limiting Big Plays
The Irish defense allowed occasional big gains but contained USC's overall offensive production effectively.
2
Crucial Stops
Notre Dame's defense excelled on third and fourth downs, disrupting USC's momentum at critical junctures.
3
Pressure on the Quarterback
Consistent pressure and tackles for loss kept USC's Jayden Maiava off-balance throughout the quarter.
Notre Dame's Winning Formula
Dominant Rushing
Notre Dame's ground game kept USC's defense guessing and opened up passing opportunities.
Clutch Scoring
Well-executed drives and timely touchdowns helped Notre Dame maintain and extend their lead.
Defensive Stands
The Irish defense made crucial stops, particularly in the red zone, limiting USC's scoring chances.
Fourth Quarter Strategy
1
Protect the Lead
Maintain a strong running game to control the clock and limit USC's possessions.
2
Defensive Focus
Prevent big plays and continue pressuring USC's quarterback to disrupt their passing game.
3
Ball Security
Avoid turnovers to maintain momentum and prevent USC from gaining quick scoring opportunities.