Five things we learned in USC’s defeat by Notre Dame

Notre Dame, ranked 14th in the AP Poll, defeated USC, 41-31, on Saturday at Notre Dame Stadium. Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ defeat.

Emotions run high

USC had a roller-coaster week in which coach Steve Sarkisian was fired Monday and offensive coordinator Clay Helton took over as interim coach.

The Trojans channeled inspiration from their 2013 run under interim coach Ed Orgeron, but emotion could only take them so far before holes in their game started to show.

Notre Dame made second-half adjustments that USC couldn’t counter and the Fighting Irish scored 17 unanswered points.

USC’s offense sputtered as quarterback Cody Kessler threw two interceptions and the defense could not contain quarterback DeShone Kizer, running back C.J. Prosise and receiver Will Fuller.

USC must find a way for its offense, defense and special teams to put together an entire game.

Adoree’ Jackson on offense

There isn’t enough Adoree’ Jackson to go around.

Jackson was targeted several times on defense and twice Will Fuller made spectacular catches around him, once for a touchdown.

Jackson’s effort on defense might have caused fatigue, but USC must find a way to better utilize him offensively.

Jackson was in for several plays, but only made one reception — which happened to change the game — as he caught a short pass and dashed 83 yards for a touchdown.

Trojans lack discipline

Week after week, USC commits more penalties than its opponent.

USC was flagged for 10 penalties and a season-high 105 yards. Notre Dame drew four penalties for 40 yards.

Kevon Seymour and Adoree’ Jackson were called for pass interference on back-to-back plays in the fourth quarter, moving Notre Dame 30 yards closer to the goal line.

The penalties led to Prosise rushing for six yards and a touchdown, which tied the game at 31.

USC has committed 45 penalties in six games compared to opponents’ 28.

Young targets

Redshirt freshman Jalen Greene and freshmen Deontay Burnett and Tyler Petite proved to be apt targets with Isaac Whitney and Steven Mitchell Jr. sidelined because of injuries.

Greene caught two passes for 22 yards.

Greene also caught a backwards pass from Cody Kessler that he threw 75 yards to JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown.

Burnett, who had only played in three games before Saturday, caught three passes for 53 yards.

Petite, a tight end, caught three passes for 26 yards.

Noise is on the way

USC’s defeat by Notre Dame means the chatter about the Trojans’ future head coach will only become louder.

USC legend Keyshawn Johnson implored the team to defeat Notre Dame to make Interim Coach Clay Helton the permanent fix.

However, USC’s 10-point loss to long-standing rival Notre Dame means it’s unlikely that Helton will get the promotion.

USC still must face ranked teams Utah, California and UCLA.

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select messages in a weekly USC Now mailbag.