PODCAST: Breaking Down Notre Dame's Victory Over USC

Our latest show breaks down Notre Dame's 30-27 victory over USC.

Bryan Driskell|

Notre Dame improved to 5-1 on the season and jumped up to No. 8 in the national polls after a hard-fought 30-27 victory over USC.

The Irish fell behind 3-0 before scoring 20 unanswered points, but the Irish had to hold on late to come away with the victory.

All three phases of the team played a role in the victory, which was Notre Dame's third straight against the Trojans.

The show begins with a brief big-picture discussion of the game, which includes giving credit to USC for being at the top of their game.

After some talk about the stellar play of the special teams, we dive into a detailed breakdown of the Irish offense, which was dominant on the ground and inconsistent the air. The review goes into the areas where QB Ian Book struggled, but also talks about his ability to make winning ways.

Defensively, the Irish employed a look we haven't seen this season, and the defensive portion of the breakdown goes into why Notre Dame went with that look, how it worked early and why it didn't work as well in the second half.

Irish head coach Brian Kelly is now 7-3 against the Trojans, including a 4-1 mark against Clay Helton.

Follow me on Twitter: @CoachD178
Visit our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/IrishMaven/

Published Oct 14, 2019

Bryan Driskell is the publisher of Irish Breakdown and has been covering Notre Dame football for over a decade. A former college football player and coach, Bryan and Irish Breakdown bring a level of expertise and analysis that is unmatched. From providing in depth looks at the Fighting Irish, breaking news stories and honest recruiting analysis, Irish Breakdown has everything Notre Dame football fans want and need. Bryan was previous a football analyst for Blue & Gold Illustrated before launching Irish Breakdown. He coached college football at Duquesne University, Muhlenberg College, Christopher Newport University, Wittenberg University and Defiance College. During his coaching career he was a pass game coordinator, recruiting coordinator, quarterbacks coach, running backs coach and wide receivers coach. Bryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Salisbury University, where he played quarterback for the Sea Gulls. You can email Bryan at bryan@irishbreakdown.com. Become a premium Irish Breakdown member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and our premium message board! Click on the link below for more. BECOME A MEMBER Be sure to stay locked into Irish Breakdown all the time! Follow Bryan on Twitter: @CoachD178Like and follow Irish Breakdown on FacebookSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown YouTube channelSubscribe to the Irish Breakdown podcast on iTunes Sign up for the FREE Irish Breakdown daily newsletter

Follow CoachD178