Preview: University of Southern California Trojans v Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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Michael Floyd

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The Fighting Irish (6-5) enter this week’s contest against the USC Trojans (7-4, 4-4 Pac-10) with a second straight victory over the Army Black Knights, 27-3 and a BCS bowl berth. USC got crushed by the Oregon State Beavers last week 36-7.  

Notre Dame versus USC will be broadcast on Saturday, November 27th at 8 PM EST nationally on ABC from the Coliseum.

And without further ado here’s this weeks Notre Dame Fighting Irish Preview Ladies and Gents…

Notre Dame Offense

Looking to make it three wins in a row QB Tommy Rees (756 yards, 63%, 8 TD, 5 INT) has picked up the slack and more from the injured Dayne Crist (2033 yards, 59%, 15 TD, 7 INT). Rees, having thrown for eight touchdowns in the past three games, will continue to lead the 27th ranked passing offense in the nation and no doubt direct his passes to the sublime WR Michael Floyd (830 yards, 9 TD).

Cierre Wood (433 yards, 4.7 yards per carry, 2 TD) has proven to be a quality running back in place of the injured Armando Allen.

The team will likely have the services of standout WR Theo Riddick (406 yards, 3 TD) who has been sidelined with an ankle injury since October. 

David Ruffer is a superb field-goal kicker for Notre Dame. Ruffer has made all 15 attempts this year including five over 40 yards.

Notre Dame Defense

Bob Diaco’s defense has played in a spectacular fashion as of late. Against formidable offenses in Utah and Navy, the Fighting Irish defense allowed zero touchdowns. That’s right. Zero. The longest stretch for the Irish since 1981. They have only let up 19 offensive points over the past three games.

The defense has shown significant improvement from 2009. Over that period the team has jumped from 88th to 55th in total defense and 63rd to 33rd in scoring defense.

Star linebacker Manti T’eo suffered a broken nose in last week’s game against Army. He has been cleared to play against the Trojans by Coach Brian Kelly. T’eo is having a monster season for the Fighting Irish. His 118 tackles rank him 13th nationally. T’eo has 37 more tackles than any other Irish defender.

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