ND dances to No. 1, USC QB out

By: ABC57 Staff

Posted: Nov 19, 2012 1:15 AM EDT | Updated: Nov 6, 2014 1:50 PM EDT

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The Fighting Irish are truly No. 1 as of Sunday night.

Notre Dame holds the top spot in the BCS standings heading into preparation week for USC.

The players said they're staying focused leading up to USC.

Last year the Irish lost 31-17 at home to the Trojans.

This season everyone is ready to go again.

"This is a rivalry game, you don't really need a lot of talking to get people excited about this game," said defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore.

ESPN said USC quarterback Matt Barkley will not play against the Irish Saturday after a sprained right shoulder.

Redshirt freshman Max Wittek is expected to start.

The Irish's quest to go 12-0 will be this Saturday at 8 p.m. on ABC 57.