LOS ANGELES (AP) — Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly knows how his Southern California counterpart, Clay Helton, might feel as their teams prepare for their game Saturday night.
Kelly has heard job security issues before despite two 12-0 regular seasons and playoff berths. He is 6-3 against the Trojans, who come in unranked for this year's edition of the rivalry game.
USC interim athletic director Dave Roberts says Helton's fate will be up to whomever gets the job full time.USC's defense should be healthier than it's been the past few weeks when the Trojans face No. 9 Notre Dame.
Defensive end Christian Rector was limited because of an injured ankle in USC's loss to Washington. Safety Talanoa Hufanga and cornerback Olaijah Griffin are set to return after missing the Washington game.
USC is hoping Hufanga's versatility can help disrupt the rhythm of Notre Dame's offense.
The game starts tonight at 7:30. It will be broadcast on NBC.
It's a storied rivalry that started back in the 1920's when the two teams initially met.