Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the Notre Dame-USC rivalry reaches its final scheduled clash! But here's where it gets controversial: is this truly the end of an era, or just a pause in the action?
In the heart of Indiana, young Drayk Bowen witnessed the power of this rivalry firsthand. It was the night after his high school career ended, and he saw Caleb Williams dominate, leaving the Irish defense in disarray. This moment felt like a turning point, a return to the glory days of this prestigious rivalry.
The 2022 game, a 38-27 win for USC, snapped Notre Dame's four-game streak and marked a rare occasion where both teams were ranked at kickoff. It was supposed to be the start of a new era, a continuation of the historic rivalry between Knute Rockne and Howard Jones. But instead, it might just be the beginning of the end.
A year later, Bowen played a pivotal role in shutting down Williams' Heisman hopes and sending USC into a downward spiral. His block on Jadarian Price's 99-yard kickoff return not only opened up a 48-20 win but potentially broke the Trojans' spirit.
Since then, USC has struggled, with a record of 14-11. They've been dominated on the road in Big Ten play, losing to Minnesota and Maryland. Meanwhile, Notre Dame has been on a roll, reaching the national championship game and extending their success with wins over Indiana, Georgia, and Penn State. Despite their shared history, the present versions of these teams seem to be drifting apart, and their future together is uncertain.
"It's more than just a game," Bowen said. "It's an emotional event that we mark on our calendars each year. We know the date, we know the significance."
But after this Saturday night, things may never be the same. This weekend's game is the last scheduled meeting between these iconic schools. While sources suggest an extension is likely, it feels like the end of an era, with the Trojans traveling to South Bend and the Irish returning to the Los Angeles Coliseum in alternating years, just as they have since 1961.
Both Notre Dame and USC claim they want to continue the series, but they're stuck on logistics: location, travel, and the impact on their schedules. Notre Dame's athletic director, Pete Bevacqua, has made it clear: they're willing to play anytime, but they want to keep the games on campus.
"We want to play USC every year," Bevacqua stated. "It would be a horrible thing if we didn't. It's not just about us; it's about college football as a whole. We want to keep this series going, whether it's at the beginning, end, or middle of the season. Even a neutral site every now and then is fine by us."
USC's athletic director, Jen Cohen, has also expressed a desire to extend the series, but the Trojans are grappling with the realities of Big Ten travel and the potential expansion of the College Football Playoff. They've even suggested taking the game to Mexico City and streaming it on Netflix!
The history of this rivalry is rich: from the Bush Push to the Green Jersey Game, from Heisman Trophy winners to national championships, these teams have created legends. No matter how the series fared, there was never a thought of ending it - until now.
"I would've played against them a thousand times, even if we only won once," said former Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. "The rivalries and traditions are what make college football feel timeless."
But what if the game were moved around on the calendar? That might be the compromise Notre Dame has to accept. For them, moving next year's game would mean a complete overhaul of their schedule, which is already set for September with games against Wisconsin, Rice, Michigan State, and a trip to Purdue.
There's also the issue of broadcast rights, but with NBC and CBS on board, that's a hurdle that can be cleared. The real challenge is getting these rivals to see eye to eye on the future.
"We can accommodate Notre Dame if the Big Ten wants to move the game earlier in the season," said Jon Miller of NBC Sports. "We're here to help them navigate these challenges."
So, what's next for this iconic rivalry? Will we see an extension, or is this truly the end? Only time will tell. Notre Dame isn't feeling the pressure just yet and could wait until next year to finalize an extension. The future of the College Football Playoff and the trajectories of coaches Freeman and Riley may also play a part.
Regardless, these two legendary college football brands will continue their journey. And for the sake of the sport, let's hope they keep meeting every fall, somewhere, sometime.
"I'm confident it will be extended," Freeman said. "But for now, my focus is on this game. It's the only one guaranteed, so we're putting everything into it."
What do you think? Should this rivalry continue, or is it time for a new era in college football? Let us know in the comments!
