6-Points: Notre Dame 24, USC 17

Troubling Trend

For the third consecutive game, USC played well in the first half, especially on offense, only to see the tide turn after the break. The Trojans led, 10-0, before Notre Dame crawled back into it, compiling a 24-0 run over the second, third and fourth quarters before USC finally answered with a touchdown in the final minute of the game. "We just have to finish everything better," RS sophomore WR Tyler Vaughns said. "Most of the season came down to us not finishing drives, not finishing plays, finishing everything on defense. We've got to get the little mental lapses out of there and we'll be alright."

In JT's Hands

Going up against one of the best pass defenses in the nation, QB JT Daniels set a new school record for completions in a single game. The freshman was accurate and decisive most of the night, completing 37 of 51 for 349 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT. "We knew their pass rush was good and their defensive linemen were pretty good," Vaughns explained the game plan. "They have three defensive linemen who we were keying on all week. We were trying to get the ball to the outside with any short routes we can."

Defensive Debutants

The Trojans were stretched thin at defensive back, so Iman Marshall, Ajene Harris and Isaiah Langley had to play every snap while freshman Chase Williams started for the first time in his career. The cornerback turned safety held up nicely, making four tackles, including one for loss. "I'll never be satisfied," Williams said. "There's a lot more I've got to do and I've got to learn to be great in this system." Freshman walk-on Jordan McMillan was also pressed into duty, hauling in a red zone interception which kept the Trojans in the game. "I can't commend the two freshman safeties enough for their efforts tonight," Helton said of Williams and McMillan.

Six-Handed Monster

The strength of the USC offense continues to be on the perimeter. For a program that spits out NFL receivers every season, the pipeline continues to be rich with Vaughns, Michael Pittman Jr. and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Vaughns, 12 catches for 120 yards and 1 TD, and St. Brown, 10 catches for 94 yards, both set new career-highs for receptions. All three are expected to return next season.

Discipline

The overall stats ended up fairly even on the night despite the expectations that Notre Dame would dominate. However, the undefeated Irish remained so because the Trojans continue to be their own worst enemy. USC fumbled twice in scoring territory and committed 8 penalties for 71 yards. "Those are my responsibility," Helton said. "My job is to make sure we are disciplined enough to protect the football and make sure we don't have penalties."

Big Offseason

The Trojans season is officially over. They did not qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2000. Helton held himself accountable. "Our task is to bring a disciplined football team that executes at the highest level. We didn't get that done this year," he said. "There's no excuses. USC is about championships. That's what's expected. And we are not playing for one thus we didn't get our job done." The offseason starts on Sunday as USC begins a recruiting sprint to the first signing period just before Christmas. "We have to diagnose exactly the things that need to be fixed from a discipline standpoint, culture standpoint, staff standpoint, personnel standpoint and be able to move forward," Helton said. "We never want this season ever again."

6-Points: Notre Dame 24, USC 17

Players Mentioned

JT Daniels

Ajene Harris

Isaiah Langley

Iman Marshall

Jordan McMillan

Michael Pittman Jr.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Tyler Vaughns

Chase Williams

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