Jerome Bettis beams each time Audric Estime touches the ball for Notre Dame

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USC vs. NOTRE DAME PREVIEW: Final thoughts, observations and prediction

Audric Estime is a popular man in South Bend after his start to the 2023 season. The running back is once again having a great season in the Notre Dame offense, gaining plenty of fans along the way. None might be bigger than Irish legend Jerome Bettis, somebody who knows a thing or two about great running backs in the program.

NBC sideline reporter Zora Stephenson caught up with Bettis ahead of the USC game, talking about Estime. Bettis had nothing but a glowing review, even if a nickname is starting to develop. More than anything, Bettis enjoys seeing Notre Dame getting back to some old-school concepts.

“Hall of Fame running back and Notre Dame great Jerome Bettis was beaming with joy as I asked him about Audric Estime pregame,” Stephenson said during the USC game. “He said Estime is reminding people of the old-school Notre Dame offenses.

“Bettis told me every time Estime does something, he has a huge smile on his face because he would make the same reads he was making. When I asked Bettis if he was okay with people calling Estime ‘Baby Bus.’ he said ‘absolutely.'”

If this was the review Estime was getting from Bettis before the game, you have to wonder what he would say after the first half against USC. Estime has 40 yards on nine carries but most importantly, has gotten into the end zone twice. When Notre Dame was looking to capitalize on USC’s mistakes, they turned to the running back and he got the job done.

Saturday is a bit of a bounceback for Estime too. He did not have the best performance against Louisville, with Notre Dame not being able to get much going on offense. Getting him back involved has been huge in what would be an upset victory.

Now, there is a second half for Estime to finish out, hoping to continue to put a smile on Bettis’ face. Notre Dame may have a good lead but everyone knows what kind of level the USC offense can get to, even if Caleb Williams is currently struggling.

We are likely to see a healthy dose of Estime down the stretch. Some clock needs to be killed and picking up first downs through the ground will be key. If effective on a consistent basis, Notre Dame is going to end what has been a brutal four-game stretch with a good win.