USC survives late Notre Dame rally

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What a game.

Just when everyone thought it was over the Fighting Irish cut into USC’s 34-14 fourth quarter lead to come within one touchdown.

And Notre Dame had their chance to tie, or possibly win with a two-point conversion, as time was running out.

With just over 11 minutes left in the ball game the Irish decided they had spotted the Trojans a big enough lead. Apparently they figured it was time to play some ball–you know, being down by three touchdowns and all.

After an early fourth quarter Trojans touchdown Jimmy Clausen marched his team down the field with an answering score of their own. Then their defense took over.

The Irish intercepted Matt Barkley’s pass allowing Clausen and the offense to get back to work with 8:55 left. And the offense delivered as Golden Tate caught a touchdown pass. The extra point kick made the score 34-27.

The Irish defense was able to hold Matt Barkley and company and force a Trojan punt. This time they would take over at their own 22 yard line with 4:18 left to play.

Seventy-eight yards to go. Could one of the nation’s best defenses hold at a critical time? Would USC falter and allow Charlie Weis to finally beat them?

Well, the Irish did manage to march down the field. All the way to the Trojans’ four yard line. First down and goal to go. Time ticking away.

Clausen’s pass to Kyle Rudolph falls incomplete with only four seconds remaining. Second down and goal.

After Notre Dame takes a timeout to discuss what very well could be the final play of the game Clausen throws another incomplete pass. The Trojans begin to celebrate. But wait! An official review added one second to the clock and Notre Dame will have one last chance for pay dirt. But it would not happen. Not this time. Not today. Clausen threw another incomplete pass.

Game over. This time for good. Trojans hold on for the 34-27 win.

Matt Barkley threw for a career high 380 yards and two touchdowns. He did have one interception–one the seemed to re-energize Notre Dame.

Joe McKnight rushed 19 times for 79 yards and a touchdown.