This week should provide a test for the seemingly improved Notre Dame defense against an electric USC offense. Offensively, the Trojans are led by Head Coach and playcaller Lincoln Riley. The former Oklahoma HC has compiled a 31-15 record at USC since taking over in 2022, with no conference titles or playoff appearances on his resume. For these reasons, Riley entered this season in a bit of a hot seat. However, a 5-1 start and top-25 ranking have quieted his critics for now.

On Saturday afternoon, the 16th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish (3-2) hosts the NC State Wolfpack (4-2). The Irish look to keep their CFP hopes alive amidst the chaos of last weekend. Meanwhile, the Wolfpack would love to prove they are back on track, following two early ACC losses, with a big-time road win.

This Saturday afternoon, the 16th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish hosts 4-2 NC State. The Irish look to extend their win streak to four as College Football Playoff hopes are in the air in South Bend following an upset-filled weekend. The Wolfpack were able to get back on track with a dominant win against Campbell following back-to-back ACC losses to Virginia Tech and Duke.

This Saturday afternoon, Notre Dame welcomes Boise State to South Bend for a matchup between two CFP teams from a year ago. The Irish offense looks to continue its roll, coming off of back-to-back 56-point outings, while the defense slowly figures itself out after holding an explosive Arkansas offense to just 13 points.