Breaking It Down: Irish offense and defense ready for USC test

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- It’s a big test on both sides of the ball this weekend for Notre Dame. After three straight games without facing a ranked opponent, the Irish are now gearing up to take on a USC team ranked top three nationally in both scoring and passing offense.

But the Irish have momentum too — and it all starts with freshman quarterback CJ Carr. Carr has thrown for more than 1,600 yards and 13 touchdowns this season, ranking among the top 20 passing attacks in the country. Just last week, he passed 342 yards and two scores, showing steady confidence and poise in the pocket.

“We just want to win, and however that comes about is what we want,” Carr said.

His top target, tight end Eli Raridon, has hauled in over 340 yards this season — including a career-high 109-yard game last week. “I’ve never seen a quarterback see the field the way CJ does,” Raridon said.

Out wide, Will Pauling and Jordan Faison continue to shine. Pauling broke out with 105 yards and a touchdown against NC State, while Carr called him “a source of energy for the offense.”

In the backfield, Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have become a dangerous duo. Love leads the team with 530 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, giving Notre Dame one of the most balanced attacks in the country.

Defensively, Drayk Bowen and Adon Shuler have anchored a unit allowing just 350 yards per game. Bowen leads the team with over 30 tackles, while Shuler has 15 solo stops. The Irish have also racked up 11 takeaways and 5.5 sacks from defensive lineman Boubacar Traore, setting the tone up front.

“It feels good to be playing together — playing violent,” Traore said.

Heading into this top 20 matchup, the Irish offense is averaging more than 465 yards per game, completing nearly 68 percent of passes with a team passer rating of 176. With depth, balance, and growing confidence, Notre Dame looks ready for a high-stakes showdown against USC.