PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Vavae Malepeai handled much of the run-game duties against UCLA, when USC’s leading rusher, RB Aca’Cedric Ware, was sidelined by injury. Malepeai has been effective as a secondary option this season, including going for 77 yards on 15 carries last week. Overall, however, USC has struggled to establish a consistent run game, and this week faces a Notre Dame defense that allows just 3.7 yards per carry.
–QB JT Daniels’ debut season has been defined by flashes of brilliance and moments of freshman mistakes, mixed with long periods of stagnation. Coach Clay Helton said on Sunday that he’s been pleased with Daniels’ improvement. Saturday’s regular-season finale can set the tone for the young QB heading into bowl practice — or the offseason, if USC loses.
–CB Iman Marshall has had an outstanding 2018, and his performance in the loss at UCLA was no exception. Marshall comes into the regular-season finale off an 11-tackle performance, which included two tackles for loss and a pass break-up.
–OLB Jordan Iosefa has seen a steady progression of responsibility with preseason All-American Porter Gustin lost to the year due to injury. Iosefa’s duties are likely to increase this week against a running QB in Ian Book; additional support might be needed with veteran John Houston Jr. potentially sidelined due to injury.
SERIES HISTORY: USC trails the series history with Notre Dame, 37-47-5. The historic rivalry dates back to 1926 when Notre Dame opted for an annual home-and-home series with USC, rather than continuing a series with Nebraska. The home team has not lost a game in this matchup since 2012, when the Fighting Irish won in the Coliseum. That was also the last time either side came into the meeting undefeated.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I know the job. The job is you win, people are going to pat you on the back; if you lose, they’re going to get after you. If you don’t like it, don’t be in this profession. I know it. It rolls off my back. So I’m not worried about it.” — USC coach Clay Helton on speculation he may be dismissed at season’s end.
