Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons Irish will handle USC

Defense (and Special Teams) wins championships

The Notre Dame defense and special teams have been than year’s past, which can explain their 11-0 record. The Irish defense is averaging giving up 17.3 points per game, which puts them 15th in the country. USC’s defense isn’t anywhere near that level of play, allowing 27.3 points per game, putting them at 60th in the nation.

In the kicking game, the Irish are slightly better as well. Notre Dame kicker, Justin Yoon is in his fourth year starting, and has remained among the most consistent kickers in college football every year. This season, Yoon has knocked in 15 field goals for a 79 percent completion rate. Michael Brown for USC is in his first year starting, as a sophomore, and has done a good job, but slightly worse than Yoon. Brown has only made six field goals on the season for a 75 percent completion rate.

Defense and special teams are often overlooked by the flashiness of offensive players. But, as the old saying goes, “If they don’t score, they can’t win”. Don’t be surprised if the Irish shutout USC in the Coliseum.