Faith of the Irish

Last Saturday I journeyed with some of my family to Yankee Stadium to watch my amazing Fighting Irish take on the undefeated Army Black Knights. However, Notre Dame was able to hold strong in the always incredibly anticipated Shamrock Series. The Irish have now secured themselves a playoff spot in the new 12-team playoff, just as long as they beat USC today. 

Watching the Irish play in Yankee Stadium last week was incredible, and from the get-go, it was clear who the better team was. Despite being 9-0, Army proved again that service academies can’t always compete in the electric world of College Football. Notre Dame’s run attack was dominant, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price both had two touchdowns each, and Riley Leonard had one of his best games throwing the ball. 

Everything about last week’s Shamrock Series was great, except for actually getting into the stadium. Security was awful. However, the game itself was awesome to watch and the traditional rivalry lived up to the hype. Watching a football game in a baseball stadium is a fun and unique experience, and the Irish only added to that experience. 

The Irish take on their rival the USC Trojans today and like all the other rivalries in College Football, this is a big one. Notre Dame leads this series 51-38-5, and this year they are once again the favored team. Notre Dame is ranked #5 in the country and has a record of 10-1. The Trojans on the other hand are 6-5 and sit at very mediocre in the powerful BIG 10. USC is fighting for a secure spot in a bowl game as well as a win against their rivals, while Notre Dame is looking to secure their spot in the 12-team playoff. I think Notre Dame will get the win today, but Southern Cal is no cakewalk, especially when playing at Southern Cal in a rivalry game. USC had the ability to hinder Notre Dame’s playoff chances. Marcus Freeman needs to have his team ready to go, playing smart and hungry like how they played vs Army. If they play that way today, Notre Dame will be victorious.