Here are the grades for the Notre Dame game.
RESULT: Notre Dame 20, USC 16
RECORD: 7-5, 4-4
Week 12 Grade: D+
QUARTERBACK
Like the game plan, there was not much memorable about Mitch Mustain’s performance.
C-
RUNNING BACKS
It took Mustain to score on a sneak after three running plays gained 1 yard. Enough said.
D
WIDE RECEIVERS
The D should be for dropped passes and don’t single out Ronald Johnson in that category.
D-
OFFENSIVE LINE
Not sure why so many false starts during home games this season.
D-
DEFENSIVE LINE
Couldn’t stop the run in the final two minutes of each half.
C+
LINEBACKERS
Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard each intercepted passes and Malcolm Smith made 12 tackles.
C
DEFENSIVE BACKS
They were down to walk-ons (Tony Burnett, Daniel Harper) but still held Notre Dame to 149 yards passing.
B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Joe Houston actually did his part going 3 for 3 on field goals.
B-
COACHING
Lane Kiffin’s off to an 0-1 start against the archrivals and the wrath will be worse if he loses to UCLA.
F
Possum crowned in glory
did reveal to me
and I did foretell on this very blog
that USC would get it leprechaun-style from the
Fighting Irish
and lo it has come to pass
so I give thanks to the Possum for the revelation
as USC fans gave thanks
for the rain that hid their bitter tears
at last Touchdown Jesus has ceased his mournful howls
a sly smile on his lips
arms spread wide to signal Irish victory
you mean when, right?