The 2006 team was overrated at #6 and got pounded by a #3 USC team that was obviously better. ND should've had a couple more losses entering that game, but pulled fluke wins over MSU and UCLA out of its butt.
The 2002 team was #7, past its sell-by date and got crushed by a loaded, peaking #6 USC team that was in the midst of a stretch when USC won 45 of 46 games.
The 1998 team lost Jarious to a knee injury at the end of the LSU game the previous week and had to play Eric Chappell and frosh Arnaz Battle at QB.
You have to take the opponent and circumstances into account. 1996 was the only remotely similar ND vs. USC matchup in L.A. over the past 37 years that one could use as a "warning" for this week. You REALLY have to look hard for reason to be afraid this week.