SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Notre Dame is halfway through its season, and halfway through the rivalry stretch of its schedule.

The Irish, who meet USC and Michigan back-to-back with a bye in between, held off the Trojans 30-27 Saturday night behind a physical rushing attack and a perfect outing by kicker Jonathan Doerer. Notre Dame improved to 5-1 with their home win, the third straight victory over USC.