Luster off this USC-ND duel
Two years ago, there was the "Bush Push," fourth-and-9, the green jerseys and a playing surface that looked like the primary rough at the U.S. Open.
There were unforgettable matchups: Matt Leinart vs. Brady Quinn, Dwayne Jarrett vs. Jeff Samardzija, Reggie Bush vs. Tom Zbikowski. There were dazzling plays, debatable calls and a you-can't-be-serious finish.
As No. 13 Southern California makes its return trip today to Notre Dame Stadium (2:30 p.m., Channel 5), fans get ready to salivate over … Mark Sanchez vs. Evan Sharpley?
With apologies to Sanchez and Sharpley, this year's contest lacks the flavor of its forerunners.
USC (5-1) enters the game with battered bodies and bruised egos two weeks removed from an arresting loss to Stanford. Notre Dame (1-6) will start its third quarterback in eight games, hoping to salvage a forgettable season by beating its archrival.
"I thought I'd never be saying I'm thankful that we're playing USC," Irish coach Charlie Weis said. "That's a tough one to say, but when you have USC rolling into town with the significance … the players are pretty fired up for this one."
An emotional edge is critical for Notre Dame, which made small strides in recent weeks but lacks USC's talent and experience. The Trojans will let weaker teams hang around -- Stanford scored 17 fourth-quarter points in its upset win, and Arizona led USC heading into the fourth last week.
A packed USC sick bay also provides hope for the Irish. Coach Pete Carroll didn't name a starting quarterback, but Sanchez worked with the first-team offense this week in practice as John David Booty rehabbed a broken middle finger on his throwing hand.
Sanchez started last week, throwing 2 interceptions and a touchdown.
"You've got to prepare a little more for somebody who has been experienced," Irish safety Tom Zbikowski said, referring to Booty. "Talent-wise, they both can make all the throws."
Trojans tailback Stafon Johnson expects to play despite a sprained foot, but All-American tackle Sam Baker (hamstring) will only be used in an emergency. Several other players are battling injuries, including linebackers Rey Maualuga (hip) and Brian Cushing (ankle).
A terrifying trip to Indiana didn't help matters.
According to the Los Angeles Times, USC players and officials were "hurled out of their seats" as the team charter tried to land in a lightning storm Thursday night.
Defensive end Lawrence Jackson had to visit the trainer after the plane landed because a Popsicle stick had pierced his mouth.
"I thought I was going to die," fullback Stanley Havili told the Times.
Added safety Taylor Mays: "I was screaming."
It has been a less eventful week for the Irish, who practiced in shorts and shells after enduring grueling workouts ever since their flop at Michigan.
Sharpley makes his first career start after providing a spark off the bench in several games. The junior has led Notre Dame on its three longest scoring drives this season, completing 53.8 percent of his passes with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
"I don't think they play more fired up for Jimmy (Clausen) or more fired up for Evan," Weis said, "but they do know that the guy's been a loyal team guy, waiting his turn. That's a very admirable quality, so they'd like to help him out."
Irish leading rusher James Aldridge is doubtful with a high ankle sprain, so senior Travis Thomas and freshman Robert Hughes are entrusted to spark the nation's worst run attack. USC boasts the nation's fifth-ranked rushing defense (66.8 ypg), allowing 100 yards just once in seven games.
"If you try to get a score-a-thon with them, it usually doesn't turn out too well," Weis said. "So the more you control the ball, the better chance you have."
Southern California (5-1) at Notre Dame (1-6)
When: 2:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Stadium
TV: Channel 5
Radio: WLS 890-AM
Series: Notre Dame leads 42-31-5
Coaches: USC's Pete Carroll (70-13, seventh year at USC and overall); Charlie Weis (20-12, third year at Notre Dame and overall)
Players to watch: In addition to monitoring USC's sizable stable of running backs, Notre Dame can't forget about Fred Davis, the nation's leader in receiving yards by a tight end (83 ypg). Nose tackle Sedrick Ellis (5.5 tackles for loss) anchors the nation's 5th-ranked run defense. … Sophomore Robby Parris could emerge as Notre Dame's top receiver after eclipsing 90 yards twice in the last three games. Defensive end Trevor Laws (team-high 58 tackles) will be critical in stopping USC's ground game.
The skinny: Notre Dame won plenty of respect for nearly shocking USC two years ago in South Bend. This year, there will be no consolation if the Irish lose. A seventh defeat would cap a historically bad start and eliminate Notre Dame from bowl consideration. The Irish will go retro today, wearing green and gold uniforms to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their 1977 national championship team. The Trojans have never won six consecutive games against Notre Dame, which has dropped eight of the last 11 in the series.
-- Adam Rittenberg