From one rivalry to another, USC welcomed back the Victory Bell and now awaits the Jeweled Shillelagh.

The USC Trojans (6-5, 4-5 Big Ten) may have earned bragging rights and bowl eligibility by defeating the nagging UCLA Bruins (4-7, 3-6) last Saturday, but in reality, winning the crosstown bout represents just a small bandage over a turmoil-filled campaign. 

But even with a sub-.500 conference record, the Trojans should have multiple things to be excited about — even with streaking No. 5 Notre Dame (10-1) on the docket next.

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While still easing into his new starter role, redshirt sophomore quarterback Jayden Maiava is 2-0 under center. The Trojans’ offense was messy against the Bruins, but Maiava, for the second straight game, managed to lead USC to a one-score victory by propelling the offense in the fourth quarter.

Maiava led promising drives throughout the UCLA battle, but USC often struggled to capitalize in the red zone. The Trojans didn’t score a touchdown until the fourth quarter, as their red-zone trips ended in uninspiring missed throws and stuffed runs, suggesting questionable play-calling. But Maiava delivered when it mattered, something former starter, redshirt junior quarterback Miller Moss, couldn’t execute.

USC’s defense should also be proud. The unit, thanks largely to senior linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold, held UCLA to only three third-down conversions, zero for three on fourth-down conversions and three first-half points. On a team that has struggled to sack opposing quarterbacks all season, Mascarenas-Arnold tallied one and made important tackles all night.

The Trojans’ receiving depth has been a bright spot all season and will again be vital against Notre Dame’s fourth-best total defense that has forced the most turnovers in the country. Sophomore wide receiver Makai Lemon showed his ability to catch, return kicks and pass against the Bruins, taking off for large gains and injecting life into the offense. 

Sophomore wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane was seemingly invisible after only playing six snaps against Nebraska (6-5, 3-5), but made the biggest catch of the game against UCLA — a four-yard go-ahead touchdown.

Against an elite defense featuring junior cornerback Benjamin Morrison and graduate safety Xavier Watts, Maiava will have to use his variety of wideouts to push the offense forward against the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame enters as the victor of its last nine games after losing in possibly the biggest upset of the year against Northern Illinois (6-5, 3-4 Mid-American Conference). On top of their defense, the Irish aren’t afraid to lay the hammer and rack up points. Notre Dame posts the sixth-best scoring offense in the FBS with multiple key contributors leading the pack. Sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love has scored in every game so far and will enter after having back-to-back games with a rush of at least 60 yards.

Senior quarterback Riley Leonard has bounced back after the embarrassing Northern Illinois performance and will have extra rest after only playing in part of Notre Dame’s blowout win over Army (9-1, 7-0 American Athletic Conference). Leonard has only thrown four interceptions this season.

If USC can emerge victorious, it would match its 7-5 regular-season record from last season. The Trojans are 37-51-5 against the Fighting Irish all-time and have only won once in the past six matchups.

Coming off two solid victories can generate confidence, but USC will need more than self-belief to take down a sure College Football Playoff contender. Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s seat is increasingly warm — and the team having a solid performance against Notre Dame could certainly affect USC’s outlook going into next season.

The Fighting Irish and Trojans’ 98-year-old rivalry will continue at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.