This historically familiar Thanksgiving weekend matchup between rivals Notre Dame and USC in L.A. is not short on major storylines. Both programs feature energetic, well thought of young coaches that are trying to jumpstart their tenures in year one with a ton to play for entering game 12.
This game should be the first of many nationally relevant battles between [autotag]Marcus Freeman[/autotag] and [autotag]Lincoln Riley[/autotag]. Each of these coaches is in year 1 of long-term deals. Each is also quickly shaping and forming the culture of their program under their vision and styles, which are quite contrasting in nature and add to the intrigue of what this rivalry will look like in the near future.
Let’s take an in-depth look at what’s at stake for both programs as we enter game 1 between new-look Notre Dame and USC.