High Stakes As No. 11 USC Battles No. 13 Notre Dame

It's been called the nation's best intersectional rivalry, and there's an extra buzz emanating around this Saturday's showdown of USC and Notre Dame in South Bend. Both teams already have one loss, so this game is, for all intents and purposes, a College Football Playoff elimination contest.

The Trojans (6-1), ranked 11th in the nation, saw their football lives flash before them last weekend in a 28-27 comeback victory over Utah. USC rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit, taking its first lead with less than five minutes to play then stopping the Utes on what would have been a game-winning two point conversion.

USC is often seen as Hollywood, a finesse team, but it was grit and tenacity that made for the victory.

LB Cameron Smith is the leader for USC's defense (Bleacher Report)

"I've always told them never get comfortable, never be satisfied, and the reality is we're still a work in progress," coach Clay Helton said. "To execute on long drives like the offense did in the second half while protecting the football, I thought it was our best half of football. We've challenged ourselves. That's what you are going to have to do when you go up and play a Notre Dame team that's as talented as this group is. Put a full 60 minutes of that brand of football out there."

A single point separates the 13th-ranked Irish (5-1) from unbeaten status, that being a 20-19 loss to a formidable Georgia squad in mid September. Notre Dame has grown from soft to stout, relying on a powerful, ball control running game and showing toughness on defense.

The Irish rank fourth nationally in opponents red zone touchdown percentage (35 percent), which is one reason this group might just be around for the long haul.

"I think it's really important to do a great job of matching personnel," Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said. "I think we've done that. Our ability to get personnel in and out of the game to match personnel groupings has really helped us in that area and not get shored in -- for example, being in nickel when an extra tight end is in the game or two backs are in the game."

Most people know about USC quarterback Sam Darnold, but even he admits that the Trojans don't beat Utah without a stellar effort from the defense.

Linebacker Cameron Smith has really come into his own, showing great leadership skills and an ability to always be around the football. He made 16 stops against Utah, and had an interception, so his play will be vital if USC is to stop Notre Dame's fifth-ranked rushing offense (308 yards per game).

“They truly believe in running the ball first to set up the pass game,” Helton said.

USC is no slouch with its back to the wall, allowing just 41.4 percent touchdowns in the red zone, good for 12th nationally.

"I think we've got two good ball clubs right now, I'll be honest with you,” Helton said. “There are a lot of high stakes on the line. It’s great for college football when both teams are doing well, and there’s so much excitement around the game on a national scope. It makes it fun for the players, the coaches and the fans.”

Darnold definitely has that "it" factor, even if he has been more prone to turnovers this season. His nine interceptions in seven games matches his total from all of last season, and has lost three fumbles. He's his own harshest critic, stating that he "needs to play better, be more careful," but he also dazzles with his ability to step up in the pocket and make throws that few in America can make.

Darnold has completed just under 63 percent of his passes, but has improved on his decision-making, throwing six touchdowns to just one interception in the last two games.

Kelly knows that he merits a ton of attention from the Irish defense.

"What separates him from the other quarterbacks is his ability to find that open window in tight spaces with a quick, quick release," Kelly said. "I mean, that ball comes out of his hand as well as anybody that I've seen."

Ronald Jones Jr. has rushed for 318 yards in the last three games, scoring a touchdown in each, and averages 106.7 yards per contest, with eight scores. He's shifty and elusive enough that the Irish cannot commit all of their resources to stopping Darnold.

Notre Dame QB Brandon Wimbush is a major dual threat (Indianapolis Star)

Jones won't be the only standout ballcarrier on the field.

Notre Dame's Josh Adams, ranked seventh nationally with 129.3 yards per game and a 9.02 average per carry. The Irish commit to running the football, taking some pressure off of quarterback Brandon Wimbush in the passing game. Wimbush has eight rushing touchdowns and is lethal in the Irish's spread attack. He has been erratic in the passing game, completing just 52.3 percent, but has done a good job minimizing mistakes, tossing six touchdowns to just two interceptions.

The Irish defense has allowed just one rushing touchdown and is among the top 10 nationally in turnover margin. New defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has Notre Dame playing more aggressively on defense, disguising coverages and pressures. Notre Dame has taken the football away eight times in the last three contests.

This is the first time since 2009 that both teams enter the game ranked, and the stakes could be as high as they were in 2005, when USC was ranked No. 1 and Notre Dame ninth. That was the year of the infamous "Bush Push," when USC tailback Reggie Bush gave an assist to quarterback Matt Leinart on a keeper with seven seconds left to play. Leinart crossed the goal line and USC won 34-31.

USC has won 12 of the last 16 matchups, but the Irish have won two of the last three contests in South Bend.

"I think it's important our players are aware of the game and the circumstances because that's why they come here," Kelly said. "It's important not to just bury your head in the sand; be aware of it.

 "I would like to think it's going to be a great atmosphere in the stadium. I'm sure our students will be back for it. I'm sure it will be a great atmosphere."

Pac-12 Unbeatens Get Weekend Started Early

Linebacker Isaac Dotson leads a Washington State defense that has people talking (NY Daily News)

 When asked about an exciting way to spend a Friday evening, hanging out in Pullman, Wash., isn't usually the first response.

 Don't misunderstand -- WSU's campus is one of the more scenic in the United States, and College Hill is beautiful, a cornucopia of area history and quaint bungalows and red brick streets, and is worth being seen.

 But the fact remains, it isn't on most people's "to do" list when it comes to entertainment -- specifically college football entertainment.

 Well, that should change Friday night as No. 5 USC, with a 13-game winning streak, comes in to take on 16th-ranked Washington State in a matchup of unbeaten Pac-12 foes.

 The Trojans (4-0, 1-0) trailed for a good portion last week before rallying to beat Cal 30-20, while WSU easily dispatched Nevada 45-7.

 Many people expected USC to be in this position, fewer would have guessed that the Cougars would be unbeaten -- and stout on defense, to boot.

 WSU's stop unit has improved steadily the last few seasons and has gotten off to an excellent start in 2017, ranking 12th in the country in total defense, allowing just over 262 yards per game and a stingy 4.3 yards per play. There could be a little bit of concern for the group, however, as talented linebacker Peyton Pelluer will be out with a broken foot, but it hasn't diminished the confidence.

 "Nothing changes for us," linebacker Isaac Dotson said. "We just play our defense."

 Washington State (4-0, 1-0) has been murder on opposing quarterbacks, knocking Oregon State's Jake Luton out of the game and prompting both Boise State and Nevada to switch quarterbacks during the game. Wazzu is fourth in the nation in sacks with 15, but USC is not Oregon State or Nevada, and brings in the biggest and most talented offensive line the Cougars have faced all season.

 The Trojans also have a guy named Sam Darnold, one of the most talented quarterbacks in the college game and someone who has been praised by WSU coach Mike Leach. Darnold can extend plays with his feet, and has uncanny vision and laser-sharp delivery.

 "I think he's mature, really just kind of mentally together for a guy that's his age," Leach said. "He's big and the ball comes off his hand good."

 If WSU players are afraid of the challenge, it isn't showing.

 "He's a solid quarterback," said Dotson, who leads the squad with 26 tackles, including 2.5 tackles for loss. "A good player. He's our next opponent. He's one guy on that team. We are not preparing for one guy."

QB Sam Darnold will lead USC into battle against Washington State (NY Daily News)

 Darnold is completing over 67 percent of his passes this season and has nine scoring tosses. However, he has had a penchant for throwing interceptions, tossing at least one in every game this season, and putting together three games with multiple picks. He will need to be more patient with his throws this week as Washington State has corners that can play on island, taking away the deep threat.

 Hindering Darnold's cause are injuries to leading receivers Deontay Burnett and Stephen Mitchell, as well as top rusher Ronald Jones. The status of all three is unknown heading into Friday's 10:30 pm EST kick, and all are valuable members of a Trojans team that needs to get things going faster than they have so far this season. USC has averaged just 12 first half points while WSU has doubled that, averaging 24 points in the opening 30 minutes.

 "They're a fast start team," USC coach Clay Helton said.

 The Cougars go as quarterback Luke Falk goes, and so far he has been going just fine.

 The senior leads the nation in completion percentage (76.9), with 14 touchdowns to just one interception, and loves to spread the wealth. Washington State has three players with at least 24 grabs, led by running back James Williams' 37 catches and three touchdowns. Wideout Tavares Martin Jr averages 15 yards per catch, and has taken up residence in the end zone with six scoring grabs. Isaiah Johnson-Mack is no slouch at another receiver spot, catching 24 passes with two touchdowns.

 USC hasn't been great defensively, allowing 5.2 yards per play and 370 yards per contest, and giving up six touchdown passes in four games. If Washington State can keep up its pace converting third downs -- third nationally at almost 57 percent -- it will be a long night for the visitors.

 Helton knows his defense needs to focus on taking Falk off of his rhythm.

 "The whole thing runs through the quarterback," Helton said.

 Last time here, in 2014, USC steamrolled the Cougars 44-11, a game in which Falk got his first real playing time after starter Connor Halliday was injured. USC has won nine of the last 10 meetings, and Washington State is just 3-31 vs. ranked opponents.

 While the Air Raid is what brings eyes to the television, Washington State's defense is what has everyone buzzing.

 With a sellout crowd of over 33,000 promised for Martin Stadium, and with Hollywood's team in town, where else would you want to be besides Pullman?

USC Wants To Avoid Repeat Of Last Meeting With Texas

 For Texas, it still remains as one of the shining moments in the school's history.

 For fourth-ranked USC, it's more of a bad nightmare -- Vince Young striding into the south end zone of the Rose Bowl, giving Texas a national championship that the Trojans felt was theirs -- a third straight -- and ending a potential dynasty.

 The 2006 Rose Bowl on a loop, it haunts USC fans, so you can bet they are beyond thrilled to be hosting the Longhorns this Saturday night in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

Freshman Stephen Carr is a vital cog in USC's ground game (Los Angeles Times)

 USC is coming off of a dominant 42-24 victory over Stanford, a nemesis that has derailed many recent seasons before they even began. The Trojans out-Stanforded Stanford, rushing for 307 yards -- no one does that to the Cardinal. It put an end to the finesse talk that follows USC around, and branded the Trojans as a legitimate player in the College Football Playoff chase.

 A week after playing an average opener, USC quarterback Sam Darnold was brilliant against Stanford, completing 21-of-26 passes for 316 yards and four touchdowns.

 "You could tell he had his jaw set right," Trojans coach Clay Helton said. "He was coming in there to win that game, and he had a mental focus that was truly special."

 That mental focus turns to Texas, which was waylaid at home in week one by Maryland, but rebounded with a stellar performance last weekend against San Jose State, rushing for 406 yards in a 56-0 romp over San Jose State.

 Helton knows that the Longhorns will come in with nothing to lose and everything to prove, and first-year coach Tom Herman branded himself as something of a giant killer in his time at Houston, beating Oklahoma and Louisville last season when both teams were ranked.

 "I think Tom is one of the most brilliant offensive minds in college football," Helton said. "He's done it at Ohio State (where he was offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes 2014 national champions), he's done it at Houston, and he's going to do it at Texas."

 If Herman is going to do it this week, he will need to find a tonic that stops both Darnold and the USC ground attack. Freshman Stephen Carr averaged 10.8 yards per carry on the way to 119 yards and Ronald Jones II added 116 yards and a pair of touchdowns, giving him five in just two games.

 USC's defense, which took some heat after allowing Western Michigan to rush for 263 yards, beat back the Stanford ground game, limiting the Cardinal to 170 yards, a 75-yard cutback touchdown run by Bryce Love being the only real home run of the evening.

 Texas has a question at quarterback, where incumbent Shane Buechele missed last week's game with an injury. Freshman Sam Ehlinger played well in his first collegiate start, throwing for 222 yards and a touchdown and rushing for 48 yards on seven carries. The Longhorns like to put pressure on a defense with a dual threat quarterback, and both Buechele and Ehlinger can run the read option when called upon.

 Whoever takes the snaps will need to deal with a raucous environment, as the Coliseum is a sellout.

 "The challenge is sticking to your routine," Herman said. "We talk to our players about every great player. One thing that's commonplace, whether it's Michael Jordan or Peyton Manning or Jerome Bettis, every great player has a routine, and they do the same thing every day. They do the same thing every Friday of game week. They do the same thing every Saturday morning of the game. If you can make just getting on the plane the only deviation in that routine, then you've succeeded."

 The Texas defense will need to be stout on money downs against USC, which leads the nation in third down conversion percentage at 73.7.

 "I think on defense we took some major, major strides from a recklessness standpoint," Herman said. "I hate to use that word in football because maybe people might interpret it as you're not playing disciplined. I mean, figuratively, lighting your hair on fire and just going. That's what we have to do this weekend."

Texas battering ram Chris Warren merits attention (Inside Texas)

 USC will need to be wary not just of the quarterback run, but of running back Chris Warren, who rambled for 166 yards and two scores against San Jose State.

 "You could see they brought a physical mentality to the game," Helton said. "We have to be strong enough to stop their rushing attack, or else it's going to a long night."

 Herman liked being the underdog at Houston, and he will make sure his team knows on Saturday that is viewed as the weakling in this fight.

 "We are an underdog," he said. "I mean this is -- they've been doing this a while at Southern Cal, we haven't. So yeah, I mean, I would say they're definitely the favorite."

 A program as proud as Texas' doesn't need gimmicks to get the job done, but even the slightest edge, mentally or physically, will keep the Longhorns focused and in the ballgame.

 So it couldn't hurt to dredge up a couple of old memories, especially if they will make the Trojans sweat a little bit.

 "Vince (Young) comes around, so I'm sure he'll be around this week," Herman said. "We welcome that. We've got one on our staff in Michael Huff that is -- you know, knows very intimately about that game in '05. So everybody's welcome. Every former player is always welcome. So will there be a few more this week than most? Maybe. Because those guys like to relive those things, you know."

 The Trojans lead the series 4-1, but oh, that one.

 "I do remember watching Vince and just being awestruck and remembering how many great players were on that field," Herman said. "Then obviously, that fourth down call down there on whatever it was, the seven-yard line or four-yard line, was one that I remember watching very closely.

 "I like the fact that we play these games. I think it's great that two of the premier brands in college football history are going to face off."

Confident Stanford Heads South To Face USC

Stanford's Bryce Love will be the focus of USC's defense

 USC is a chic pick to make a the College Football Playoff, and why not?

 The sixth-ranked Trojans have another poster boy quarterback in redshirt sophomore Sam Darnold, speed and quickness at the skill positions and a defense made of prep All-Americas. Add in the clutch comeback in last year's Rose Bowl win over Penn State, and it all adds up.

 Just don't tell No. 14 Stanford, because the Cardinal come into Tinseltown brimming with confidence after an opening week bludgeoning of Rice, and three straight wins over the Trojans. In fact, Stanford has fairly mastered USC, winning seven of the last nine meetings.

 It's no secret what the game plan is -- play physical, smashmouth football to perfection, with a lightning quick running back -- this year Bryce Love, the last few seasons Christian McCaffrey -- a mistake-free quarterback and an offensive line in which all five players play as one.

 USC allowed 263 rushing yards in a 49-31 victory over Western Michigan last weekend, which has coach Clay Helton more than a bit worried.

 "That's as good a running game as we may face, them and Stanford in back-to-back weeks, and we've got some things we need to clean up defensively," Helton said. USC often was too aggressive attacking the Broncos ground game, leaving open cutback lanes to take advantage of. Love gained 180 yards against Rice, and stymied the Owls with amazing cutbacks and stop-on-a-dime change of direction. If the Trojans don't get that fixed, Love will run wild.

 Helton knows that the running game shapes the outcome, and he leaned on something he was told early in his coaching career.

 "Games are won by running the ball, stopping the run, not turning it over and playing great special teams," Helton said. "They are the best in our league at running the ball, year in and year out."

 Stanford won't be afraid to throw the football, but with quarterback Keller Chryst still finding a rhythm after offseason surgery, you can bet the Cardinal will manage the game mostly on the ground. That means a busy day for USC linebackers Cameron Smith and Porter Gustin.

Ronald Jones II makes USC's ground game him (Getty Images)

 While Darnold grabs the headlines, rightfully, for USC, running back Ronald Jones II doesn't need to take a back seat to anyone. He scored three touchdowns and averaged 8.8 ypc against Western Michigan, scoring the go-ahead touchdown with just under seven minutes to play.

 Stanford coach David Shaw says that stopping Jones II will have to be a team effort.

 "You gotta brings your friends because the first guy might not be able to get him down," Shaw said.

 Shaw also knows that even if Jones II gets his yardage, Stanford will need to concentrate on Darnold.

 "He's the best quarterback in the country in my opinion," Shaw said. "He doesn't get rattled, he likes the big occasion. We definitely have to try to disrupt him as much as we can or else it will be a long night."

 Darnold threw for 289 yards, 142 of those going to Deontay Burnett. Stanford safety Quenton Meeks and his secondary mates will need to keep tabs on Burnett, who has shown the ability to be a deep threat.

 In this day and age of tempo, Stanford is a throwback. The Cardinal are deliberate, physical and not afraid to stay within their identity. They don't get thrown off kilter on offense, and are able to brush off a three-and-out series with an even demeanor. Shaw has done a masterful job continuing what Jim Harbaugh started, and he has turned Stanford into a true program.

 We'll know around midnight whether or not that program is the best in the Pac-12, or if the star-studded Trojans have the requisite toughness to protect their home turf.