The USC defense is up for the Notre Dame challenge...
- Lane Kiffin described Max Wittek's practice performance as "awesome" yesterday and "unbelievable" today.
- T.J. McDonald and the defense believe Wittek can lead them to a victory Saturday. "We have a lot of confidence in Max. As long as he plays within himself and does his thing, I think that we'll be OK," said McDonald. "We've got to give him a lot of support on defense though."
Since USC's defense has struggled against spread offenses this season, the Trojans expect a better performance against a more traditional Notre Dame attack. "That's no secret. Over the course of time in our three years here, we've played much better [defensively] against traditional teams," said Kiffin.- The Irish still have plenty of playmakers from QB Everett Golson to RB Theo Riddick to TE Tyler Eifert. "They've got a lot of weapons," said McDonald. "The quarterback can run. They are real balanced, a real well-rounded offense."
- Nickell Robey played the best game of his career last year in South Bend when he shut down NFL first round pick Michael Floyd. The best Irish receiver in 2012 is T.J. Jones. "Every time I look at Notre Dame, I see myself making a lot of big plays last year," said Robey. "This year, I look forward to the same thing. Even though Michael Floyd is not there, I'm looking to guard T.J. Jones. Let's see what he's about."
- Robey expects the Trojans to be loose, but excited Saturday. He wants his teammates to "just play football to have fun." Robey relishes any opportunity to run out of the Coliseum tunnel and perform on college football's biggest stage. "It's going to be pretty pumped Saturday. I can't wait to have that feeling back again."
- T.J. McDonald is having a difficult time wrapping his head around running out of the tunnel for the final time as a player. "It's kinda crazy," he said. "I think about it sometimes and it just gets tough. You think about everything that we've been through here. It's my last time and the Trojan Family has been so good to me and all the rest of the seniors. It definitely is going to be a great feeling but a bittersweet feeling."
- Special teams could play a major factor in what is expected to be a close, low-scoring affair Saturday. To that end, USC needs Andre Heidari to shake off his recent struggles. "For a kicker to have surgery on his knee part way through your season has to affect you somewhat, I've got to imagine that's playing a part of it," said Kiffin, who still has the utmost confidence in his kicker.
- UCLA gave Marqise Lee only one chance to return a kickoff, but Notre Dame's Kyle Brindza does not have the same kind of leg. Kiffin is hoping more returns for Lee will swing field position in the Trojans favor.
- Here's everything the head coach said on Wednesday...
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