Trojans Face the Fighting Irish Without Sarkisian

October 15, 2015

29 Nov 2014, Los Angeles, California, USA --- November 29, 2014: USC Trojans linebacker Scott Starr (47), USC Trojans head coach Steve Sarkisian and USC Trojans defensive end Leonard Williams (94) celebrate after the NCAA football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. --- Image by © Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire/Corbis

by Jillian Gearin 10/15/15

The USC Trojans travel to South Bend, Indiana Saturday night to face Notre Dame. After having one of the best recruiting classes in USC’s history, the team has fallen to 3-2. The Fighting Irish are 5-1 and currently ranked 14^th in the AP Top 25.

A few weeks ago, this rivalry game was looking to be a matchup against two one-loss teams but it is now a disorganized USC versus the 14^th ranked Notre Dame.

Last week USC lost to Washington, 17-12, at home while Notre Dame beat Navy 41-24.

Despite the Trojan’s record not being what the team or the nation expected, USC has a talented team that can bounce back at any moment.

“I think everybody knows the kind of talent USC has, and regardless of what happened against Washington, we know in this rivalry game what kind of performance that they’re going to have against us,” said Notre Dame head Coach Brian Kelly.

USC will have to attempt to bounce back without their head coach Steve Sarkisian, who was fired Monday. On Sunday after not showing up to an afternoon practice and reports of him “not acting normal” from staff and players, Athletic Director Pat Haden asked him to take an indefinite leave of absence.

In August Sarkisian acknowledged he attended the “Salute to Troy” pep rally after mixing alcohol with medication. He was also thought to be under the influence at USC’s 42-14 win against Arizona State on September 26.

Clay Helton has been named the interim head coach and will be leading USC against the Fighting Irish this week. In order for the Trojans to compete the players and staff need to distance themselves from the distractions caused by the firing and focus on turning their season around.

Notre Dame’s offense has been plagued with injuries this season but they have been productive and most likely will continue that trend as they are favored to win.

USC has been successful with interim head coaches in past years. Helton acted as the head coach in the 2013 Las Vegas Bowl. That year the Trojans won 10 games under three different head coaches.

With USC’s coaching change, the hype around Sarkisian’s firing, and Notre Dame’s injuries, this rivalry game will be one to remember, as it is anyone’s game.