USC Trojans now what Notre Dame Fighting Irish think they are

1. **Legacy and Tradition**: USC Trojans and Notre Dame Fighting Irish are both storied programs in college football, boasting rich histories and strong traditions. USC, based in Los Angeles, California, and Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, have long been synonymous with college football excellence. However, USC’s proximity to Hollywood and its glamorous image have often drawn comparisons to Notre Dame’s reputation for academic rigor and spiritual values.

2. **Historical Success**: Historically, both teams have enjoyed periods of dominance. USC has won 11 national championships, with its most recent in 2004, while Notre Dame claims 13 national titles, with the last one in 1988. USC’s dominance in the mid-20th century and resurgence in the early 2000s contrasts with Notre Dame’s peak under legendary coaches like Knute Rockne and Ara Parseghian.

3. **Cultural Influence**: USC’s location in Southern California has cultivated a brand associated with glitz, celebrities, and a sense of larger-than-life success. In contrast, Notre Dame’s identity is deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage and Midwestern values, which often emphasizes humility and community.

4. **Recent Performance**: In recent years, USC has struggled to consistently match its historical success on the field, facing coaching changes and periods of rebuilding. This contrasts with Notre Dame, which has maintained a more stable performance, regularly competing for bowl games and occasionally for the College Football Playoff.

5. **Recruiting and Talent**: Both USC and Notre Dame have strong recruiting bases, with USC benefiting from its location in talent-rich Southern California, and Notre Dame drawing nationally due to its strong academic reputation and football tradition. USC’s ability to attract top talent is often bolstered by its proximity to major media markets and the allure of playing in sunny Los Angeles.

6. **Rivalries**: USC’s rivalry with Notre Dame is one of the most iconic in college football, known simply as “The Notre Dame-USC rivalry.” This annual matchup between two powerhouse programs often carries significant national implications and is steeped in tradition and history.

7. **Coaching Impact**: Coaching has played a crucial role in shaping the identities and successes of both programs. Legendary coaches like John McKay and Pete Carroll left indelible marks on USC, while Notre Dame’s legacy includes luminaries such as Knute Rockne and Lou Holtz. Recent coaching hires and strategies have shaped each program’s trajectory in the modern era.

8. **Fan Base and Support**: USC’s fan base is known for its passion and loyalty, filling the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum with cardinal and gold. Notre Dame’s fans, often referred to as the “Fighting Irish faithful,” are renowned for their unwavering support and nationwide presence, turning stadiums into seas of blue and gold.

9. **Identity in College Football Today**: In the landscape of modern college football, both USC and Notre Dame continue to be relevant but face different challenges. USC aims to reclaim its position among the elite, leveraging its historical success and recruiting advantages. Notre Dame seeks to balance academic standards with athletic success, maintaining its reputation as a premier football program while upholding its values.

In conclusion, while USC and Notre Dame share similarities in their storied traditions and passionate fan bases, each program also possesses distinct characteristics shaped by their respective histories, geographic locations, and cultural influences. USC’s allure as a West Coast powerhouse and Notre Dame’s reputation for academic excellence and football tradition create a fascinating dynamic in the realm of college football, making them perennial subjects of comparison and debate among fans and analysts alike.