Los Angeles, CA — Notre Dame’s defense faced a crucial test in the final moments of a seven-point game when USC quarterback Jayden Maiava aimed a back-shoulder throw toward Kyron Hudson near the goal line.
But sophomore cornerback Christian Gray had other plans. With remarkable awareness, Gray intercepted the pass, spinning to maintain control before sprinting 99 yards for a touchdown that will be remembered as one of the great plays in Notre Dame’s history.
The Fighting Irish (11-1) have rarely been under significant pressure since their lone loss earlier in the season. However, they rose to the occasion in the 95th meeting of their storied rivalry with USC, solidifying their place in the College Football Playoff with a 49-35 victory on Saturday.
Gray’s pick-six, followed by a 100-yard interception return for a touchdown by Xavier Watts just two minutes later, sealed the victory and demonstrated Notre Dame’s resilience. The win marked the Irish’s 10th consecutive triumph and their sixth in the last seven matchups against USC, ensuring the Jeweled Shillelagh remains in South Bend for another year.
“The statement we made tonight is simple: we won our rivalry game against a very good football team,” said Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman. “That’s the only statement I cared about making.”
A Rivalry Renewed
Notre Dame appeared to have control early in the fourth quarter, leading 35-21, but USC’s Ja’Kobi Lane caught his second of three touchdown passes with 8:43 remaining, cutting the deficit to a single score.
After forcing a Notre Dame punt, the Trojans drove deep into Irish territory, reaching the 21-yard line with a chance to tie. That’s when Gray delivered his game-changing interception, sprinting the length of the field for a touchdown that electrified the Notre Dame sideline.
USC’s next possession ended in similar fashion. Maiava’s desperation throw into the end zone found the hands of Watts, who mirrored Gray’s route for another 100-yard interception return. The Irish became the first team in modern college football history to record two interception returns of 99 yards or more in the same game — and within just two and a half minutes of each other.
A Season Redeemed
For Freeman and his team, the victory represented much more than a rivalry win. It capped a remarkable turnaround since their early-season loss to Northern Illinois and secured their place in the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. Freeman emphasized the importance of recognizing the journey.
“This is what it’s all about,” Freeman said. “These guys are resilient and relentless. They’ve shown that they’re never out of the fight, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Riley Leonard, the Duke transfer quarterback, was instrumental in Notre Dame’s success, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another. Leonard finished with 155 passing yards, while running backs Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love combined for 210 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Tight ends Eli Raridon and Mitchell Evans each caught a touchdown pass in a balanced offensive attack.
“Our preparation and effort each week have brought us to this moment,” Leonard said. “Now, we’ll focus on healing up and getting ready for the playoff.”
USC Struggles
For USC (6-6), the loss marked a disappointing end to a season that began with high expectations but unraveled in the final weeks. Maiava, in his first defeat as the Trojans’ starting quarterback, threw for 360 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for two more scores. However, his three interceptions proved costly, particularly in the game’s closing minutes.
The Trojans also suffered a significant blow early in the game when running back Woody Marks, their most consistent offensive weapon, exited with an injury. Marks, who leads the nation in consecutive games with a reception, was unable to return.
Despite the defeat, USC head coach Lincoln Riley remained optimistic about his team’s progress, particularly on defense, though he acknowledged the shortcomings against Notre Dame.
“We’ve made strides defensively, but today wasn’t our best showing,” Riley said. “We had opportunities to make plays, but Notre Dame capitalized on key moments.”
A Historic Finish
The first half of the game was tightly contested, with both teams trading touchdowns. Jeremiyah Love’s highlight-reel hurdle over USC’s Kamari Ramsey set up Raridon’s 12-yard touchdown grab just before halftime. However, USC responded quickly, as Lane caught a 12-yard touchdown pass to tie the game with just seconds left in the second quarter.
In the end, Notre Dame’s defense and opportunistic playmaking carried the day, sending the Irish into the postseason with momentum and a sense of destiny. As Freeman noted, the team’s grit and determination are what make them special.
“Every player on this team believes in the fight,” Freeman said. “That’s why we’re here, and that’s why we’re ready for what’s next.”
Up Next:
Notre Dame: Likely will host a first-round CFP game.
USC: They will definitely make a bowl game.
