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Notre Dame Football: 3 takeaways from much-needed win over USC

By Connor Muldowney

Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) runs the ball as USC Trojans cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (6) defends in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Kyren Williams (23) runs the ball as USC Trojans cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (6) defends in the first quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 23: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 23, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN – OCTOBER 23: Kyren Williams #23 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the USC Trojans at Notre Dame Stadium on October 23, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. The bye week did wonders for this offense

Notre Dame may have scored just 31 points, but the offense looked more put together on Saturday night against USC than it had all season.

Jack Coan looked like the No. 1 quarterback from the season opener, completing 20-of-28 passes for 189 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, and his backup, Tyler Buchner, was also solid in limited action. In fact, Buchner finished with 24 passing yards on 2-of-2 completions and had 11 rushing yards and a touchdown.

But I was the most impressed by Kyren Williams’ performance. He had his best game of the season as the bye week seemed to have refreshed his outlook on an otherwise disappointing sophomore season. He finished with 138 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. He also had six catches for 42 yards.

The Irish finished with 170 rushing yards on the night.

Michael Mayer and Lorenzo Styles also looked solid and the Irish leaned on an improved offensive line after a much-needed bye week.

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