A new era versus USC

Long delayed post-game blog post here.  Still basking in the glow of the big win over the Trojans last month.  Man, that was fun.  Hopefully you can see the genuine happiness in our faces below.

We enjoyed visiting with the Wussler family before the game along with tons of other Irish fans at the alumni tailgater.  They actually ran out of food and beer which is a testament to the crowd that showed up for the Irish this time around.  We somehow ended up in the better end zone this year which meant we could almost see what was going on on the field.  I do admit I turned around to watch the fourth & goal play on the jumbo tron behind us because it happened at the far end of the field.  Incomplete pass!

It was noteworthy that the USC fans were the "nicest" I can remember from my several trips to the valley of sin.  Nice is a relative term but the usual derogatory comments and foul language were almost non existent before and after the game.  No one welcomed us, but you take what you can get from USC fans.  It was as if they understood things are changing again in this rivalry.  We have a coach and a program that should remain near the top for several years and this is going to be a real contest in the next few iterations.  No more blowouts by the Trojans; the rivalry is back!

If we had been able to convert a couple more red zone trips to TDs, this could have been a real blowout.  Brindza was a hero on the field goals but we need to convert more of those long drives to TDs when we play 'Bama.  How nice that the defense was able to put it away with a goal line stand for the ages.  Lane Kiffin got some grief for his play calling (he is no Pete Carroll for sure), but we dominated the line of scrimmage both ways most of the game.  This bodes well for the BCS Championship (did I just write that?) because we will face some excellent line talent against Alabama.  Golson was sharp (no turnovers!) and our balanced offense kept USC off balance.  We even shut down Marquise Lee with the exception of two late plays that turned out not to matter.

Now we have a month to prepare and obsess over the National Championship (did I just write that?) game in Miami.  The hype is off the charts already and Alabama is favored by 10 in the early spread.  I expect that gap to close slightly but we will be underdogs and that is fine with me.  This team has played great in many big games this year and seems to thrive with a little chip on the shoulder.  I think it will be a great game.  Predictions later.

We are back baby!  What a ride and what potential to make this end with the ultimate prize. 

P.S. - All kudos to Manti Te'o; a truly great player and inspiration for Notre Dame.  Would have been so nice for him to get the Heisman but it was not to be.  He hauled in ever other award though.

GO IRISH!!  BEAT TIDE!!