- Everyone practiced to some degree with the exception of CB Torin Harris and WR Kyle Prater (illness).Â
- RB Marc Tyler (shoulder) and WR Marqise Lee (shoulder) wore yellow no-contact jerseys, but they both expect to play Saturday. "It might hurt when I take a hit, but I want to play in this game so bad, it doesn't matter," said Tyler, who has suited up, but never played in South Bend.
- If Tyler cannot go, Curtis McNeal would likely get the start. Matt Barkley has faith in the diminutive running back, but he joked, "You just have to make sure your trajectory is low on some of those check downs."
- (Photo of Victor Blackwell wearing Michael Floyd's #3 this week by John McGillen)
- This is the first time Notre Dame has hosted USC in a night game and the first night game in South Bend in 21 years. The Trojans arrive late Thursday, so they will have plenty of time to kill before kickoff. "We'll just have to figure out something to do in Michigan City," joked Lane Kiffin.
- Given the primetime showcase and rumors of green jerseys, Notre Dame Stadium will likely be at max decibel levels. "I don't think they should be too wigged out," said Orange County product Matt Barkley about his teammates handling the atmosphere. "I just remember it being electric. It gets me fired up."
- Athletic director Pat Haden has decades of experience with this rivalry as a player, broadcaster and now AD. He even has his own set of traditions when he is on campus at Notre Dame. "I'll see the ticket taker John, who has been there for 40 years. I always ask him where the golden dome is," said Haden, who always lights a candle for his mom at the grotto.
- Fun fact: Haden and J.K. McKay were 2-1 against the Irish as Trojans, but in all three years, the winner of the USC/Notre Dame game went on to win the national championship.
- Michigan native Nick Perry grew up watching Notre Dame. "They were the team to beat," he remembered. "They are a great team. We are looking forward to this from last year. This is a big game for us and we're going to step it up."
- Notre Dame has only given up five sacks (13th in the nation), so Perry and company have a tough task getting to Tommy Rees. "They have a great line. We just have to work harder than them and get after it better than they do." Perry leads USC with four sacks.
- The weather forecast for Saturday projects no rain, but a low of 39 degrees. "I miss the cold a little bit," said Perry, who will have family at the game. "Luckily, I get to play in Notre Dame Stadium in the cold weather. I love it!"
- This is an important week for Lane Kiffin, who continues to feel the sting of losing to the Irish last year. "I don't think it will ever leave really," he said. "It's worse because it's Notre Dame because of the streak. It was really tough."
- Here is Coach Kiffin who had some funny lines about Jim Harbaugh and the handshake confrontation...
University Southern California Trojans
Notre Dame Tuesday: Notes
October 01, 2011 | USC Ripsit Blog
Notre Dame Tuesday: Notes
The practice field was buzzing with media. It must be Notre Dame week???
Monday, September 14
Sunday, September 13
Sunday, September 13
Sunday, September 13
