Notre Dame answers the bell in physical win over USC
The football gods fired a warning shot with this rivalry on the fritz.
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The head coach thanked the heavens. Perhaps he should be thanking the football gods.
They’re the reason the Battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh will probably still get played beyond this season, but dammit, they sure sent a warning sign to anyone who dared suggest that Notre Dame and USC might be better off taking a break.
All day, the signs were ominous. Rain was relentless. Lightning delays seemed inevitable.
Would this game kick on time? Would it move up early, to avoid the heavy stuff? Would it get shelved till Sunday or worse? Both teams share an open date next week, after all.
In the end, this thing went off as scheduled on Saturday night. Not without a hitch or two, mind you, but that’s what makes this game and this rivalry so beautiful, isn’t it?