As bad as USC’s loss to Notre Dame was on its own terms, one background detail makes it even worse.
Yes, losing by 28 points and having a terrible offensive performance are really bad without any other contextual details being added to the pile. However, one other aspect of this game makes USC’s no-show even less acceptable.
Notre Dame had far more reason to be tired and to throw in a less-than-fully-vigorous performance.
We asked Fighting Irish Wire editor Nick Shepkowski if Notre Dame’s loss to Louisville was the product of looking ahead to USC.
Skepkowski pointed out something different:
“I think it was more of a team that was flat out emotionally exhausted. Two weeks before they lost as hyped a game as Notre Dame has had in 18 years in the final second (to Ohio State). A week later it took a miracle drive to get by Duke. As much as we like to think 18-22 year olds can just show up and turn it on, the reality is that is nearly impossible. I think the Louisville game speaks as much to that as anything.”
Notre Dame was emotionally spent. The Irish played seven straight weeks heading into this game. USC had the off week on September 16 and should have been physically and mentally fresher. The fact that Notre Dame physically dominated USC is embarrassing.
The Trojans have to grow a spine. Period.
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