November 21, 1931 The USC vs Notre Dame Rivalry Begins

---

On November 21, 1931, two storied football programs clashed in South Bend, Indiana, in a game that would become a cornerstone of one of college football's greatest rivalries. The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish met in a dramatic showdown that showcased their mutual pride and talent on the gridiron, cementing their intersectional rivalry for decades to come.

Notre Dame, boasting a 26-game undefeated streak, came out strong, scoring two quick touchdowns to take an early lead. But USC, refusing to back down, fought their way back into the contest. With time running out and the score tied, Trojans kicker Johnny Baker became the hero. His 33-yard field goal sailed through the uprights with just one minute remaining, sealing a dramatic 16-14 victory for USC.

The win not only snapped Notre Dame’s legendary streak but also secured USC’s first national championship, marking a turning point in college football history. After the game, in a remarkable show of respect, USC head coach Howard Jones led his team to visit the grave of Notre Dame’s legendary coach, Knute Rockne, who had passed away earlier that year.

Decades later, ESPN ranked this iconic game as the 55th greatest college football contest of all time.