Notre Dame excelled in the trenches against USC, winning 34-24 on a rainy night in South Bend.
The passion displayed by both teams highlighted the importance of this longstanding intersectional rivalry.
Notre Dame has reasons to celebrate, but needs to improve before facing Boston College to avoid a repeat of 1993.
The Irish suffered injuries, including a broken arm to sophomore right guard Charles Jagusah and a season-ending knee injury to junior center Ashton Craig.
The same can be said for a raucous fanbase.
Author's summary: Notre Dame wins against USC, but faces challenges ahead.