Six hidden plays that helped determine Notre Dame’s loss to USC
The Trojans built a double-digit lead right before halftime and never really looked back as the Irish failed to come up with big drive and enough stops to defeat USC 38-27. There were swing moments in the game, some went the Irish’s way, but most of them didn’t. Find out which hidden, although not all of them were, plays made a huge different in Notre Dame’s loss to USC.
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First quarter, 7:54 left the clock
Interesting secondary to start for Notre Dame. Jaden Mickey, Xavier Watts and Ramon Henderson all in the lineup.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) November 27, 2022
After USC scored a touchdown on the opening possession, the Irish promptly go three-and-out and punt the ball back to the Trojans. A deep shot is dialed up from close the midfield on second-and-five and Caleb Williams throws a floater. It looks like safety Xavier Watts will have a prime opportunity for a pick, but he jumps too early and misses. The pass falls incomplete but a momentum changing play literally falls right out of the Irish’s hands.
First quarter, 5:04 on the clock
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball against Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Aiden Gobaira (91) during the first half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
On the same drive, it looked like USC was going to add another touchdown to their lead after a pass interference penalty in the end zone. On first down, the Irish’s Jayson Ademilola makes a play in the backfield for a 3-yard loss which leads us to our play. The Trojans get tricky, a double-reverse pass where Williams is the target and it gets a bit wild, the quarterback getting called for offensive pass interference. It pushes the Trojans back without the ability to get a first down and the Irish force a field goal, holding the Trojans to a 10-0 lead.
Second quarter, 13:52 on the clock
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
After a review of where Drew Pyne was tackled moved the Irish short of the first down. Everyone knew what was next, tight end Mitchell Evans coming in for his “Mitchapalooza” sneak (6 for 6 on the year). USC knew it was coming as well and plugged up the middle, once against relying on a measurement. For the second play in a row, the Irish were ruled short of the first down, but this time giving the ball back to the Trojans.
Second quarter, 8:21 on the clock
TOUCHDOWN IRISH.
MICHAEL. MAYER.#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/Ik9eCc50TQ
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) November 27, 2022
The Irish haven’t had much going on offense but are once again starting to move the ball. They are faced with a third-and-ten and Pyne drops back to pass. He’s got a ton of time, kudos to the offensive line, and eventually finds Deion Colzie over the middle for 30-yards. A few plays later the Irish finally find the end zone as Pyne finds Michael Mayer to close the gap to 10-7.
Third quarter, 11:14 on the clock
Nov 26, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans linebacker Ralen Goforth (10) and defensive lineman Nick Figueroa (99) recover the fumble against Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Drew Pyne (10) during the second half at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
This one is hard to go by the rules, but this play was a huge moment in the game. The Irish had just saw USC score a touchdown right before the half and needed to answer. They were driving, having gone 49 yards and sniffing the red zone. Pyne would mishandle a zone read and drop the ball, USC falling on it. The Trojans would then score really putting pressure on the Irish offense, down 24-7.
Fourth quarter, 4:56 on the clock
Calen Bullock picks off Drew Pyne pic.twitter.com/ON3O3K2KQG
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) November 27, 2022
Another one that breaks the rules because it was the beginning of the end. The Irish got the deficit back to 10 and forced a punt, down 31-21. After a few solid plays, Pyne drops back and can’t find anyone and begins to scramble. He then throws across his body leading to an interception. The Irish quarterback had a solid game, but his second turnover proved to be the nail in the coffin for Notre Dame.
