With 2:33 left and holding  dearly onto a 22-13 lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-0) were pushed up against its 1-yard line  by a USC team predicated on offense. With their backs up against the proverbial wall with a perfect season and national title hopes in the balance, the blue and gold front seven valiantly rose to the occasion and kept the attacking Trojans out of the endzone on four straight offensive attempts to secure the nine-point victory.
 
It was not to be for the reeling USC Trojans (7-5) against a tight Notre Dame Fighting Irish (12-0)  run defense that has only allowed 11 rushing TDs in just 30 games.
 
The top team in the nation has consistently won tight games on late defensive stands.

It’s a make or break game for the Fighting Irish and their national title hopes.