Joey Johnston

Here’s my prediction: Notre Dame is capable of going to the West Coast and beating the USC Trojans. But even if the Fighting Irish come through, earning their first victory against USC since 2001, it still won’t be nearly enough to get Notre Dame into the BCS Championship Game against Ohio State.

So what’s at stake for Notre Dame on Saturday night?

Plenty.

Here are my top seven reasons why Charlie Weis needs to beat the Trojans — now. And none of them have to do with Notre Dame winning this season’s national championship.

1. Rivalry Games. If Notre Dame loses to USC, it will be 10-2. Almost undoubtedly, that will mean a trip to the Sugar Bowl. How can that be considered a disappointing season for the Irish? Here’s how: that would mean Notre Dame lost to its two biggest rivals, including the shattering 47-21 home defeat to Michigan on Sept. 16.

2. Luck of the Irish. Notre Dame could use a solid signature victory. Remember the narrow, come-from-behind wins against Michigan State and UCLA? The leprechaun had to work overtime.

3. Academy Sweep. The Irish need to deflect attention from a schedule that got much softer in the second half. They swept Army, Navy and Air Force. What, no Marines?

4. Drive for Five. Notre Dame can avoid the dreaded five-game losing streak against USC, which has happened only one time (1978-82) in this rivalry, which began in 1926. Pete Carroll’s Trojans won three games (2002-04) by an average of 31 points. With USC in transition after losing its prime-time talent (Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White), you can’t blame Irish fans for thinking this — if we can’t get USC this season, when will we beat the Trojans again? 

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5. Trojan Title. How unbearable would it be for Irish fans to watch USC play in a national championship game — again? Realistically, Notre Dame might be the only team that can prevent that possibility. 

6. Weis Guy. The Irish lack a marquee victory in Weis’ two seasons. And the lingering image from last year was Notre Dame getting outclassed by Ohio State (and Troy Smith) at the Fiesta Bowl. Beating USC would give Weis his first victory against a top-five team.

7. Last Season. Ah yes, last season. We’ve saved the best for last. What was your favorite nightmare, Irish fans? Bush running wild? Fourth-and-9? The Push? What would the victory have meant for Notre Dame? Only everything. Notre Dame handled last season’s 34-31 loss to USC with class, but it was the ultimate missed opportunity. It would’ve ended USC’s winning streak. It could’ve put Notre Dame in national-title position (maybe). The sting from that game has subsided, but it’s still around for the team’s veterans. What could’ve been? It’s haunting. Here’s a chance for revenge — and a chance to spoil USC’s season.

OK, maybe we’ve buried the lead: Why can’t Notre Dame play for a national title if it beats USC?

I just can’t see the pollsters moving Notre Dame ahead of Michigan, after the Wolverines dominated the regular-season meeting. The Irish should be thrilled with their second straight BCS bowl trip, which could be a Sugar Bowl meeting with the SEC champion (Florida or Arkansas).

On the other hand, how about this: Ohio State greets USC in the BCS Championship Game.

So what to do with 11-1 Notre Dame? The Rose Bowl — after losing USC and being unable to bring in another Pac-10 team (California is five spots below the minimum qualifying standard, the top 14, in order to be selected for the BCS.

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The Rose Bowl would then be allowed to choose any other BCS at-large team to fill its dance card. The Rose Bowl selects . . .  Notre Dame?

Notre Dame vs. Michigan in Pasadena. The rematch no one has talked about . . . yet? It might be comical to watch Michigan lobby for a rematch with Ohio State for two weeks, then backpedal from a potential rematch with Notre Dame in Pasadena.

Big, interesting things could be ahead for the Irish.

But only if they defeat USC. Weis needs it. Notre Dame fans need it. And let’s just admit it. Isn’t it about time?

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