When Jeremiyah Love broke loose for a career‑high 228 rushing yards, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 34‑24 win over the University of Southern California Trojans on Saturday night, Oct 18, 2025. The game unfolded under a relentless downpour at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, before a sold‑out crowd of 77,622. Marcus Freeman, the Irish’s head coach, watched his squad grind out a decisive fourth‑quarter stand, while the rivalry trophy – the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh – stayed firmly in Notre Dame’s locker room.
Game overview and key statistics
The opener at 3:30 p.m. ET (19:30 UTC) saw USC draw first blood with a 10‑yard pass, but Notre Dame responded within minutes, tying it at 7‑7 after a 12‑yard run by Jadarian Price. By halftime the Irish led 21‑14, thanks largely to Love’s relentless ground attack and a timely 31‑yard field goal. The third quarter was a seesaw; USC reclaimed the lead 21‑24, only for Price to spark momentum with a 100‑yard kickoff return that set up a second Love touchdown, pushing the score to 34‑21.
In the final stanza, USC rallied to 34‑24, but a forced fumble by captain Adon Shuler – recovered by defensive lineman Kyngstonn Viliamu‑Asa – sealed the win. The Irish forced two turnovers in the fourth quarter, a decisive factor in a game that featured 8 total turnovers.
Offensive explosion: Love’s record night
Love’s 228 yards on 20 carries broke a 45‑year‑old school mark for a freshman‑eligible player. He became the 18th Notre Dame player ever to rush for 200+ yards in a single game. "I just saw the holes open up and trusted my blockers," Love said in the post‑game interview. His average of 11.4 yards per carry dwarfed the Trojans’ defensive front, which allowed just 4.1 yards per rush on the season before this matchup.
Price complemented the star performance with 87 yards, a rushing touchdown, and that electrifying 100‑yard return that swung momentum. "We fed each other," Price explained, "when Jeremy broke a tackle, I just kept it moving." Together they accounted for 315 yards on the ground – more than a typical NFL team’s total in a game.
Defensive turning points
Freeman’s defense, often criticized early in the season for being “too soft,” showed grit when it mattered. Shuler’s 10‑tackle effort included a textbook strip‑sack on USC’s quarterback just before the two‑minute warning. "We practiced that drill all week," Shuler noted. The recovered ball by Viliamu‑Asa set up a crucial 3‑and‑out that let the offense chew the clock.
Linebacker Chris Haliburton (mentioned later) added two sacks, while safety Elias Miller forced a fumble that was later recovered by the secondary. The Irish defense totaled 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles, a stark contrast to the 3‑sack, 0‑turnover effort USC managed against the Ohio State defense last month.
Rivalry history and the home winning streak
The Jeweled Shillelagh rivalry dates back to 1926 and has seen 95 meetings through 2025. Notre Dame now leads the series 52‑38‑5, and the Irish have won seven straight games at home against USC – the longest such run since the 1970s. The streak reflects both recruiting advantages in the Midwest and the revitalized stadium after the $400 million renovation completed in 2017.
USC’s coach, Lincoln Riley, admitted after the loss that “the rain was a factor, but we didn’t execute our assignments.” The Trojans will look to bounce back on Oct 25 when they host the California Golden Bears, hoping to avoid a third consecutive defeat in Pac‑12 play.
What’s next for Notre Dame and USC
Notre Dame heads to Stanford on Oct 25 for a crucial conference clash. If the Irish keep their offensive rhythm, they could climb into the top‑ten of the AP poll before Thanksgiving. Conversely, USC aims to salvage a 5‑3 record; a win over California would keep them bowl‑eligible and perhaps spark a late‑season surge.
Both programs are also watching the NFL draft buzz. Love’s performance vaulted him into early‑round conversations, while USC’s quarterback Calvin Phillips will need to prove his arm strength next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Notre Dame’s chances for a College Football Playoff spot?
The victory lifts Notre Dame to 6‑2 and keeps them in the top‑ten of the AP poll, a crucial résumé boost. With a win over Stanford next week, the Irish could finish the regular season 9‑3, positioning them in the conversation for a CFP berth, especially if other top‑ten losses occur.
What made the weather a factor in the game?
Heavy rain turned the field slick, affecting footing for both offenses. Notre Dame’s ground game thrived because they emphasized quick, decisive cuts, while USC’s passing attempts were derailed by reduced visibility and a soggy ball.
Who were the standout players for USC despite the loss?
Quarterback Calvin Phillips threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns before the rain slowed him down. Wide receiver Myles Gaines made a 44‑yard catch that set up a score, showing that the Trojans still have play‑making ability.
What is the significance of the Jeweled Shillelagh trophy?
The Jeweled Shillelagh symbolizes more than a game; it represents a nearly century‑old rivalry that pits a Midwestern Catholic powerhouse against a West Coast public university. Winning it boosts recruiting prestige and adds to each school’s storied football heritage.
How did Notre Dame’s defense improve compared to earlier games?
The defense tightened its gap discipline, generating five sacks and forcing two turnovers – a marked improvement from the 3‑sack, turnover‑free effort against Georgia Tech two weeks prior. Coaching adjustments emphasized quarterback pressure on third downs, paying off late in the contest.
