On Saturday, Notre Dame gained a much-needed victory against its biggest rival. The Fighting Irish defense set the tone early, often and all night against the Trojans.
By the end of the game, Notre Dame had blown out USC, 48-20, in a game the Irish made the proper response whenever it appeared to be getting interesting.
The win puts Notre Dame back in the win column and the fashion in which it came gives Irish fans hope that a New Year’s Six bowl game isn’t out of question.
It was a night Xavier Watts will not soon forget. The Notre Dame safety put on the performance of a lifetime with two interceptions, a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown and seven tackles.
For USC, it was a night to forget. Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, threw three first-half interceptions and never really found his rhythm.
All together it was a memorable night in South Bend. Check out some fantastic photos from that night below.