USC football: 3 takeaways from season-defining win over Notre Dame

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Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Fans of Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) spell out the word “Heisman” in the second half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. What’s next for USC?

The Trojans must win the Pac-12 Championship to make it to the College Football Playoff. They need to know whether or not they are playing Oregon or Utah. If Caleb Williams plays well in the conference title game, Williams should win the Heisman. His biggest competition, CJ Stroud, was good but not great against Michigan. Also, Stroud doesn’t play again.

The Trojans have to love that senior running back Austin Jones ran for 154 yards. There were some doubts about the running game without Travis Dye, and Jones has run for over 100 yards in both games he’s started. The running game has not missed a beat without Dye. The defense also played well overall. They were able to make critical plays at crucial times tonight.

What’s next for Notre Dame?

This was going to be a step-back year for the Irish. They are in the clubhouse waiting to see what bowl game gives them an invitation. Drew Pyne played the game of his life in a losing effort. What Caleb Williams did to the Irish defense, he does to everyone. He is flat-out special, and that was on full display tonight.

Irish fans should be happy with the program’s progress under Marcus Freeman.

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