In the history of Notre Dame-USC, who is the biggest Notre Dame villain in the eyes of USC fans?
Matt Zemek of Trojans Wire: It has to be Lou Holtz.
John McKay did well against Ara Parseghian. John Robinson and Dan Devine traded blows. Brian Kelly is not hated by USC fans. If anything, Trojan fans admire and respect what he has done in South Bend. USC fans wish we had a coach with a clue who could build a steady and durable winner the way Kelly has. He owns considerable respect in Southern California.
Rockne and Frank Leahy are icons, also respected in the annals of the Trojans-Irish rivalry.
Holtz knew how to stir the pot and play his possum-like games. He dominated USC and kept the boot on the throat of the Trojans for a full decade. His mastery of USC coincided with a sharp downturn in the Trojans’ fortunes. The 1988 game had a long-term effect on the trajectories of two programs. Joe Montana and Tony Rice were worthy opponents; Holtz was and is the villain.
Related: Notre Dame depth chart for USC game