...hey, so am I. I think this game, while it SHOULD be a relatively comfortable win, is wrought with significance. It's arguably the most significant game since 2012 BCS Championship game (ugh, flashback, I was there). We win this game in any way, shape, or form, and we're 99.9% into the playoffs, barring near-impossible scenarios. Our recruiting has been excellent this year, and would likely go to a further elite level with a playoff appearance: and I truly believe ND can beat Clemson, and perhaps not embarrass themselves against Alabama as well. A good playoff showing could set this program up for sustained success none of us have seen for multiple decades. So the STAKES ARE VERY HIGH.
And I agree with you, USC won't roll over. The key will be our superior talent on both sides of the ball, and on the sidelines. As long as the players don't spend this week doing what we're doing and obsessing over the IMPLICATIONS of this game, as opposed to their jobs in front of them, they will lock down this offense, and they will score points - and thus they will win. We do have to worry about sketchy refereeing, and about 1-2 punches in the mouth (a blown coverage, a slip/fall leading to a long TD, etc.), as they haven't played from behind in ~6 weeks. But I think BK 2.0 has gotten them ready, and in the right mindset, to take a punch or two and keep truckin'. LET'S GO IRISH!