Notre Dame beats USC, finishes regular season undefeated

 

LOS ANGELES -- Notre Dame finished the regular season with 12 wins after beating longtime rival USC.

This is the first time since 2012 that the Irish have remained undefeated.

On the opening drive, #29 Trojan running-back VaVae Malepeai took it to 14 yards after finding a hole.

USC takes the lead 7-0 in the first quarter.

USC marching again when Troy Pride Jr. strips the ball and finds the loose ball for the fumble recovery.

On the third down ensuing drive, ND's Ian Book is sacked.

In the second quarter, after a USC field goal, its 10-0 when Ian Book finds Chris Finke 24 yards for the score and the Irish are on the board.

One minute before halftime, Trojan's JT Daniels hits Amon-Ra St. Brown but the ball comes loose and ND's Drue Tranquil comes up with it for a huge play.

This is the second turnover for the Irish Defense.

USC up 10-7 at halftime.

In the second quarter, the Irish get the run game going. 

ND's Dexter Williams breaks free -- 52 yards for the touch down to take a 14-10 lead.

The 46 yard field goal just enough and with that Justin Yoon becomes the all-time field goal leader in Notre Dame History with 58 for his career.

The Irish take a 17-10 lead.

With three minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Ian Book with a pass to ND's Tony Jones Jr. and he's gone -- 51 yards.

The Irish win 24-17.

Notre Dame fans are hopeful they could see their team heading to the College Football Playoffs.