He came to Notre Dame four years ago to win and make a difference on the field. Many would argue that he never came close to his goal … until tonight.
Robert Hughes’ heart, soul and determination led the Irish to their first victory over Southern Cal in the past nine years.He was benched more than once during his career. He was in South Bend when his brother was murdered. He watched his team fall apart … year after year …
But he never gave up.
And then, when it mattered the most, he stepped up and led his beloved Irish to victory.
By: Brian McCabe
It has been nine long years since Notre Dame was triumphant in a game against the University of Southern California. Blowouts, routs, lopsided squads and cheating have led to the last eight wins for the Trojans.
This all changed Saturday night.
Pete Carroll is gone. Bob Davie is gone. Tyrone Willingham is gone. Charlie Weis is gone.
Saturday night, Lane Kiffin and Brian Kelly took the reigns and led their respective teams into the next game and, more importantly, the next decade of this great rivalry.
Two first-year head coaches had to keep their calm while battling the elements, while Notre Dame also battled multiple turnovers. Near the end of the first half, it appeared that the game-clock was being operated by the head of USC’s student union. Thanks to the unbiased rules crew, these egregious mistakes were rectified.
Even with all of that to overcome, the Irish were able to score a late first-half TD thanks to Duval Kamara’s athletic reach. As the rain poured down to start the second half, most Irish fans thought they knew what would happen.
They thought USC would somehow capitalize and never look back.
They thought they knew how this would end.
They had been here before.
Thankfully, for Irish fans, this did not happen.
With a slim lead, and little time left, the pass was dropped, the rain kept pouring down, and the oft-criticized Harrison Smith came up with the biggest play of his career.
Tons of rain and three plays later, Tommy Rees put his knee on the ground, and the game was over.
Notre Dame was victorious. USC lost.
The Irish overcame four turnovers, and turned in a defensive effort that will not soon be forgotten.
While it may be hard for many Irish fans to comprehend, the Irish beat USC in Los Angeles.
And, as many think and some predict…
This is just a sign of things to come for the Irish.