Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from blowout win over USC in Week 8

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 21: Brandon Wimbush #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks to pass while under pressure from Uchenna Nwosu #42 of the USC Trojans in the second quarter of a game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 21: Sam Darnold #14 of the USC Trojans throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium on October 21, 2017 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. USC will not compete for a Pac-12 Championship

The hard part about this is realizing that USC might be in a hole with yet another head coach in Clay Helton. It seemed like USC was finally turning things around for good, but they’ve struggled to win games all season.

When USC lost to Washington State, it was at least a close game against a ranked opponent on the road. This was yet another matchup against a ranked team on the road, but Notre Dame completely exposed USC.

Sophomore quarterback Sam Darnold is no longer a viable contender in the running for the Heisman Trophy. Darnold did toss more touchdowns than interceptions, which is an improvement, but still managed less than 250 passing yards.

USC’s defense could not stop anything that the Notre Dame offense threw at them. And, the USC offense could not keep up on the scoreboard. It could be a rough run down the stretch for the Trojans as they try to win the Pac-12 South.

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