USC 38, Notre Dame 3

USC defensive end Jurrell Casey forces Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen to alter his pass in the second quarter Saturday, resulting in an interception.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Notre Dame’s Robert Blanton makes an interception on a pass intended for USC’s Patrick Turner during the first quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez is hit from the blindside by Notre Dame’s Maurice Crum in the second quarter.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Notre Dame’s Kerry Neal almost comes up with an interception after teammate Maurice Crum (40) knocked the ball loose from USC quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) during the second quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC safety Taylor Mays tackles Notre Dame running back Armando Allen in the second quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC tailback Joe McKnight is brought down by Notre Dame’s David Burton, left, and Sergio Brown on a punt return in the third quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Trojans tailback C.J. Gable scores on a one-yard run against Notre Dame in the third quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC defensive end Malik Jackson deflects a pass by Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen in the fourth quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC tailback Marc Tyler gets tripped up by Notre Dame’s Harrison Smith in the fourth quarter Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC Coach Pete Carroll congratulates receiver Patrick Turner on his touchdown catch in the fourth quarter against Notre Dame on Saturday.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

USC defensive end Malik Jackson and Notre Dame’s Robert Hughes get penalized and eventually ejected for fighting in the fourth quarter Saturday.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Notre Dame Coach Charlie Weis watches his team lose to USC, 38-3, on Saturday at the Coliseum, leaving the Irish’s record at 6-6.  (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

Linebacker Rey Maualuga carries the Trojans’ sword during the postgame celebration Saturday after USC defeated Notre Dame, 38-3.   (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)