USC football morning report: Recent history gives Fighting Irish nod

Fact of the day: USC has defeated Notre Dame in 12 of the last 15 games, but the Fighting Irish have won three of the last four.

USC plays Notre Dame on Saturday at the Coliseum.

The Trojans fell to 7-4 overall and 6-3 in the Pac-12 Conference after a 38-20 defeat by UCLA last Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The loss knocked USC out of contention for the Pac-12 South title.

Notre Dame is 7-4 after starting the season on a six-game win streak.

The Fighting Irish have lost four of their last five, including a 31-28 defeat to Louisville last Saturday in South Bend, Ind.

In The Times:

• Cody Kessler aiming for first rivalry-game victory
• USC basketball defeats Cal State Fullerton

Around the Web:

• Pro Football Focus grades players in the USC-UCLA game

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet@LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.