Marcus Freeman shares what makes USC rivalry 'unique'

Notre Dame and USC square off this weekend in one of college football’s oldest and most storied rivalry games. This will be Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman’s first time in this matchup as their head man, as he spoke about what makes this rivalry in particular so unique.

“You know I think it started last year, it’s unique because last year when you play USC during the middle of the season it’s a little bit different than going out there and playing the last game of the year,” Freeman said.

Freeman was a part of Norte Dame’s coaching staff last year as their defensive coordinator and linebackers coach, but will now have to lead the Fighting Irish into Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for a matchup featuring two ranked opponents. Freeman spoke to Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees about the matchup, as the former Notre Dame quarterback has coached and played in the Coliseum.

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“I spent some time this morning actually talking to coach Rees and he’s been out there twice, once as a player, or twice as a player I don’t remember, and once as a coach, I know he was out there in ’18.” Freeman said.

Freeman has some of his own playing experience versus USC as well, as he reflected on that and the overall history of the storied matchup.

“I’ve played out there in 2008 when I was at Ohio State, but to be a part of this rivalry for the last game of the year, and there’s a lot on the line for both teams. This is a huge rivalry for us that goes back many years, I know to the 1920s I think,” Freeman explained.

The No. 18 ranked Irish will be looking to finish their season strong after a rough start, seeking their sixth straight win with a victory over the Trojans. While No. 7 USC will be looking to add another win over a ranked opponent to their resume leading up to their conference championship game and push for a spot in the College Football Playoffs.

“And so there’s a different feeling about this one, and I can feel it amongst our program and our players. I knew it last year, but this year it being at the end of the year at USC, you can really feel it,” Freeman said.