3 Hardest Games on Notre Dame Football’s 2023 schedule

2. USC (Oct. 14)

Notre Dame football fans are going to have this game marked on their calendar after the beating USC put on the Irish in the final game of the regular season.

Since Notre Dame doesn’t play Michigan on a yearly basis anymore, the Trojans have taken over as the new top rival and this will be an interesting game for both teams.

Caleb Williams, the Heisman Trophy winner, will be looking to add to the resume of the Trojans who just missed the playoff last season after losing the Pac-12 title game.

USC lost a game early a year ago but was in a position to make the playoff in part because of the win over Notre Dame. A win in South Bend would look great on the resume, while a loss could be painful especially if Notre Dame wound up say 11-1.

If, for instance, USC won the Pac-12 and went 12-1, but had a loss to an 11-1 Notre Dame team, which team would make the playoff if they were in a fight for the last spot?

That’s why this game is so important but there is one looming that’s harder.