Notre Dame football: Irish run game should get it going against USC
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame football team takes on a hated rival on Saturday night, and star running back Kyren Williams could run wild against USC.
On Saturday night, the Notre Dame football team will play host to the USC Trojans, this after their rivalry series was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic last season. The Trojans come into this game fresh off their bye week, just as the Irish do, but they are a team that has plenty of question marks.
While Notre Dame has had an up and down season so far as well, they are the better team in this game and should be able to pound the Trojans on the ground. Kyren Williams went into this season coming off a 1,100-yard campaign as a redshirt sophomore in 2020 but has yet to have his breakout game in 2021.
That will change on Saturday night, as the Trojans’ defensive line is just not that good this season, and while the Irish’s offensive line has struggled, they should have the advantage against USC. That should clear plenty of holes for Williams, who may not have gone over 100 yards in a game this year, but looked close to breaking out against Virginia Tech two weeks ago.
True freshman Logan Diggs also looked good against the Hokies, showing the ability to make an impact in the run and passing game. Overall, the Irish have a collection of backs that should be able to gash this Trojans defense, led by Williams, who should go over the 100-yard mark for the first time this season.
Notre Dame football begins second half at 5-1
Despite the numerous issues with injuries, a revolving door at quarterback, and offensive line woes, the Irish were able to get through a tough start to the season with a 5-1 record. Entering their bye week, they were able to get things right after a strong comeback win against Virginia Tech, and hopefully, that will bleed into the second half of the season.
The rest of the way, Notre Dame football does not play another currently ranked team.
Overall, it has been an up and down season for Williams, as the offensive line woes have hindered what the Irish like to do on the offensive side of the ball. We have seen lesser running backs run all over this USC defense this season, and on Saturday night, Williams becomes the next to punish the Trojans on the ground.