USC at Notre Dame may be first playoff elimination game

November is usually the money month for college football national championship contenders.

We’re still a few weeks from that time. But that doesn’t mean a game with huge College Football Playoff implications isn’t upon us.

That game is Oct. 21 when USC travels to South Bend, Ind., to take on Notre Dame.

The Trojans have been a bit up and down at 6-1, with their lone loss at Washington State two weeks ago.

As quarterback Sam Darnold goes, so does USC.

In his team’s 30-27 loss at Washington State two weeks ago, the sophomore QB threw for just 164 yards and an interception on 15 of 29 passing.

On Oct. 14, Darnold rebounded nicely in a comefrom-behind 28-27 win against Utah. He threw for 358 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish have won four straight since a 20-19 loss to Georgia, a team many believe is one of the nation’s best. In its five victories, ND has won by at least 20 points.

A USC loss would do nothing to hurt the Trojan’s Pac-12 chances. But Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold passes during the first half against Utah on Oct. 14 in Los Angeles.

it would likely eliminate them from College Football Playoff consideration.

A loss would also be devastating to Notre Dame’s CFP hopes, especially because its schedule sets up nicely after Oct. 21. The Irish have three ranked opponents (No. 16 N.C. State, No. 8 Miami, No. 22 Stanford) remaining.

One of the most memorable games in South Bend involving USC was 2005 when the No. 1-ranked Trojans needed the “Bush Push” when Matt Leinart scored on a short run in the final seconds to secure a 34-31 victory.

The Trojans should be wary about their trip to the Midwest. The weather should not be a factor, as

temperatures are expected in the low 70s with clear skies.

However, USC played a tough opponent in Utah on Oct. 14, and it was a tough, physical matchup.

Notre Dame was off last week, and will be rested. Advantage Fighting Irish.

The X factor is Darnold, who seems to play his best with the pressure is the

greatest. Advantage USC.

The game is shaping up as the season’s first CFP eliminator, and it’s all the more reason’s to check out one of the nation’s best rivalry games. 3. Penn State 6-0 (3) 4. TCU 6-0 (5) 5. Oklahoma 5-1 (5) 6. USC 6-1 (10) 7. Ohio State 6-1 (8) 8. Notre Dame 5-1 (NR) 9. Miami (Fla.) 5-0 (NR) 10. Clemson 6-1 (2)

Wisconsin, N.C. State, Michigan State, Michigan, Oklahoma State

KELVIN KUO — ASSOCIATED PRESS