Notre Dame took center stage for two days on the Dan Patrick Show, as it was broadcast from campus ahead of the USC showdown.

No. 20 USC (+9½) at No. 13 Notre Dame (6:30 p.m., NBC 5, Peacock, 780-AM): If the Irish survive this one, they’re going to the playoff. They do — in a real Shillelagh smasher — 38-34.

Suffice it to say Notre Dame's tilt with 20th-ranked USC is an elimination game of sorts for the Irish, while the Trojans will have two additional opportunities at garnering a second ranked win the rest of the way after this weekend following their victory over Michigan.

Two historic programs, one high-stakes rivalry. No. 20 USC travels to South Bend for a primetime clash on NBC and Peacock with No. 13 Notre Dame on Saturday night, marking the latest chapter in a series that has defined eras of college football.

Larry Williams was a two-time All-American offensive lineman at Notre Dame before getting into athletic administration.

Heading into the visit, Shanks did an interview with Rivals national recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman. He had a lot of great things to say about the program, including his potential fit in Mike Denbrock’s offense.

Rumors have swirled over the future of the rivalry for the last two years, and both Freeman and USC head coach Lincoln Riley seem in agreement that they want the game to continue. Speaking at B1G media days in the spring, Riley said “I want to play the game. Absolutely. It’s one of the reasons I came here.”

That performance gave Fighting Irish fans flashbacks, seeing the same rugged style that once made Mayer a legend. That type of outing shows that his best NFL days are still firmly in front of him. Opportunity is ultimately going to determine just how good Mayer will be.