Print Edition for The Observer for Friday, October 17, 2025

Notre Dame’s keys to victory against vs. USC

By Henry Lytle Associate Sports Editor

The Irish are set for the most important test of the season against rival No. 20 USC. With two of the most prolific offenses in the country, Lincoln Riley’s creative passing attack will take on Mike Denbrock’s crafty run and pass combination in what is sure to be a can’t-miss game. Despite the challenge, the Irish are favored by 8.5 points, but a lot must go right for Notre Dame to keep the playoff hopes alive. What are the keys to success for the Irish to win three in a row against their oldest rival?

Slow down the Trojans’ big play offense

USC is ranked first in passing offense in the country. They are first in points, yards and yards per play with Jayden Maiava at the helm. The dynamic quarterback has been one of the best passers in the country with 13 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Maiava has led this offense to scoring more than 30 in every game this season, even in the last second 34-32 loss on the road at Illinois. How can the Irish slow them down?

First, by playing strong man coverage in the secondary. Makai Lemon is USC’s best pass catcher and one

of the most explosive receivers in the country. Lemon is averaging 113 yards receiving and a touchdown per game to lead the best passing offense in the country. Lemon will take on his biggest test of this season: opposite Irish sophomore cornerback Leonard Moore, who is currently rated the best man coverage corner in football by PFF. Fellow corner DeVonta Smith is questionable with a calf injury, which could thrust freshmen Dallas Golden and Mark Zackery IV into bigger roles in the secondary. The Irish defense is still conceding 351 yards per game, which ranks No. 43 in the country. Chris Ash’s unit will be tested with deep balls, confusing line-of-scrimmage looks, and a quarterback with the ability to make on-time and ontarget throws.

Pressure is the key to stopping a red-hot passing attack. The Irish defense has gotten back on track rushing the passer and is now up to 2.5 sacks per game. Sophomore Boubacar Traore leads the Irish with 5.5 in six games. Against USC’s fifthranked offensive line in sack percentage, the Irish will have to find a way to generate blitz opportunities and force USC into negative plays. Maiava has only taken three sacks on the season and has barely been rushed in the pocket against opposing defenses. He has also rushed for

four touchdowns, so containing the quarterback in the pocket and creating uncomfortable throws is the ticket. Even if they don’t manage to get Maiava on the ground often, expect Chris Ash’s defense to blitz to drop the Trojans behind the sticks on early downs.

Force USC into turnovers

The Irish have forced 11 turnovers in the last four games. Since the consecutive losses, the defense has reverted toward its 2024 self in the turnover margin, where the Irish have jumped back to nearly two takeaways per game. Facing a prolific scoring offense, the defense needs to help the Irish offense and steal possessions from the Trojans to make this game comfortable. Moore leads the Irish with three interceptions, and with more of an emphasis on one-on-one man coverage, USC will be throwing the ball up for their receivers to make plays.

Establish the run early

The Irish must be consistent with the running game early against USC. In both of the Notre Dame losses, the Irish rushed for fewer yards per attempt than their opponent. Against the Hurricanes, they did not feature the running game as they were playing from behind, and they also struggled to control the pace of the

FOOTBALL

game. In order to find success with play action, the Irish must give the 950-yard duo of juniors Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price the ball early on downs and run to the outside. The Trojans’ defense stacks up similarly to Notre Dame as they are conceding 108 rushing yards per game to opposing teams. Notre Dame has the edge in recruiting, size and talent at the line of scrimmage, and they must utilize it.

Protect CJ Carr

Protecting Carr in the passing game is also paramount to Notre Dame’s success on Saturday. Notre Dame starting center Ashton Craig has been ruled out this week for a season-ending knee injury. With sophomore Joe Otting replacing Craig at the position, the Irish will have to be able to give Carr time in the pocket. USC has been porous on the back end of their defense in one-on-one coverage and relies on blitzing to get pressure. They are averaging 3.33 sacks per game, getting after the passer from the tackle, end and linebacker positions. USC has given up 7.8 yards per pass this season and 243 yards per game. They have allowed opposing defenses to throw the ball downfield in man coverage. However, to do this, the Irish will need time for CJ Carr. Illinois threw the football for 331 yards and three touchdowns in their home win against USC, and Notre Dame hopes to reproduce the barrage. They also managed to protect their quarterback and give up only one sack. In the victory against Michigan this past weekend, the Trojans forced three sacks and an interception. The Irish hope to replicate the success of the Illinois offense, relying on the offensive line to hold up on third down and CJ Carr to make timely decisions in the pocket.

Finally, the Irish need to play like this is a desperation game, because it is. A three-loss Notre Dame team would certainly not be considered for the College Football Playoff without a ranked win on the season. To avoid any concern, the Irish must win this game against the long-time rival. Although this game is less of a must win for USC because it is not a conference game, it could be a program defining win on the road for Lincoln Riley, who has not beaten the Irish since 2022. Marcus Freeman must find a way to rally the program with the Irish’s back against the wall and all hope of a playoff season resting on a storied cross-country rivalry. The game kicks off this Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Henry Lytle at hlytle@nd.edu

CJ Carr’s draft projection in 2026 and 2027

By Chris Dailey Sports Writer

In recent weeks, the buzz around freshman quarterback CJ Carr has been growing rapidly, and deservedly so. Even his incomplete passes have impressed the college football world. His best throw of the season came last week against NC State. Pinned 45 yards from the end zone on the left hashmark, Carr delivered a picture-perfect pass into tight end Eli Raridon’s route path. The play set up a short rushing touchdown for running back Jeremiyah Love. Throws like this have become routine for Carr. Prior to slicing through the Boise State defense, Broncos head coach Spencer Danielson was aware of the talent his team was up against. “CJ is going to be a future first-round draft pick. I don’t think I’m the first one who will say that,” Danielson said ahead of the game.

Offering a similar praise, ESPN senior writer Dan Wetzel tweeted during the Arkansas game, “I am not a NFL Draft expert, and this is just his fourth game, but based on his accuracy, touch, athleticism, and reading of defenses, it would not surprise me if Notre Dame’s CJ Carr was the first overall pick in 2027.” Carr’s performances have many around the nation wondering what is Carr’s ceiling? While some see him as a sure-fire future

first-rounder, others like Wetzel believe his potential goes much higher than that. All of these comments have inspired me to take a deep-dive on Carr’s NFL Draft prospects.

2026 NFL Draft

Although he’s ineligible for the 2026 Draft, it’s still fun to imagine how Carr stacks up against this year’s class.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently named his top quarterbacks in the class: Oregon’s Dante Moore, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Oklahoma’s John Mateer in that order. Carson Beck of Miami, Garrett Nussmeier of LSU, Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, USC’s Jayden Maiava and the injured Penn State Nittany Lion Drew Aller round out the topten. Surprisingly, Missouri’s Beau Pribula didn’t make the list. Moore, Mendoza and Simpson all have the edge over Carr as of today. Moore has great mechanics, Mendoza has all the physical tools, and Simpson, like Carr, can place the ball in really tight windows. All three project as potential dayone starters in the NFL.

Sellers and Mateer present a more interesting argument. Sellers has shown signs of inaccuracy and was caught holding on to the ball for too long against LSU last week. Granted, the Gamecocks’ offensive line isn’t amazing. However,

he still shows flashes of being the Heisman candidate he was hyped up to be before the season. If Sellers really wants to improve his draft stock, transferring to a better supporting environment would do him wonders.

Mateer was on a tear to start the season, but has battled an injury and thrown as many interceptions as he has touchdowns. He’s got a strong arm, but like Sellers, has to release the ball quicker.

With Carr’s accuracy and natural leadership at the line of scrimmage, he clearly falls into this mix. It may be bullish to suggest Carr would be a top-five quarterback in this year’s class, but he’s certainly in the mix with the guys on the outside looking in at the first round.

2027 NFL Draft

Here we go. The draft class that Carr is actually eligible for. The class in which Carr is a legitimate contender to be the number one overall selection.

His competition comes from far and wide. Florida’s DJ Lagway, Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola and Texas’ Arch Manning were seen as the big-three for this class headed into the season. Now, about halfway through the regular season, the script has been flipped.

Given none of the top quarterbacks in the 2026 class decide to play another year of college

football, Carr’s top competition comes from Ohio State’s Julian Sayin. Nick Saban recently called Sayin the best quarterback in college football. That says plenty about the Buckeye signal caller.

After being thrust into the spotlight following a solid performance against Texas in Week 1, Sayin has exploded. He’s thrown for 1,479 yards, 15 touchdowns and three interceptions this season, and his 86.5 QBR is ranked fourth in the country. Sayin also has an insanely accurate arm. His career adjusted completion percentage of 82.2% would rank him first of the 120+ quarterbacks in Gridiron grading’s database.

Carr posts a very similar stat line. He’s recorded 1,622 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, while maintaining an 11th-best 83.6 QBR.

Carr has also played two topfour teams in No. 2 Miami and No. 4 Texas A&M in his first two games as a starter. He displayed all the confidence in the world with his scrambling improvisation against Miami before posting a 20/32, 293-yard performance against the Aggies. Since then, Carr has improved tenfold.

The Irish wide receiving group is widely considered one of Notre Dame’s best in recent memory.

A large part to their success has been the ability of Carr to find them and then quickly deliver the ball to them. His early-season

decision-making mishaps have disappeared, and he’s only gotten more comfortable under center. So that leaves the final question: Sayin or Carr? Who is QB1 in 2027? Well, Sayin’s the man in charge on the best team in the nation. If the Buckeyes are to win the national championship again, it will be hard to predict anyone jumping Sayin in 2027. However, it’s worth noting that he has an unreal group of wide receivers. Jeremiah Smith was on the cover of EA’s College Football 26 and is also not eligible for selection until 2027. Junior Buckeye receiver Carnell Tate is one of the best wideouts in the country. While Carr has great weapons, Sayin has several first-rounders running routes for him.

What Carr possesses is a sharp football mind, experience against two of the best teams in the country and an NFL-level arm. He’s on track to produce one of the best quarterbacking seasons in Notre Dame history, which is made even more impressive when considering the program’s historic line of greats. The battle between the two is close, but for now, Carr has the slight edge. If he keeps on progressing at the rate he is, Carr won’t just be any first-round quarterback in 2027. He will be the first-overall quarterback.

Contact Chris Dailey at cdailey2@nd.edu

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025 | VOL. LX, NO. 23

Editorial: AI-proof the Core Curriculum

By Observer Editorial Board

Every student at Notre Dame, regardless of their intellectual pursuits or career intent, will complete the Core Curriculum — a range of courses rooted in the University’s Catholic liberal arts education. Curricula at Saint Mary’s and Holy Cross College require students to take a similarly broad array of classes for the same purpose. But in the age of generative artificial intelligence tools, this approach is in serious jeopardy, unless the University acts now to protect it.

As AI models become increasingly complex and able to imitate human writing, the temptation to use the tool to circumvent the learning process becomes greater. By asking widely available software to

ND

write an essay, generate reading summaries or answer a technical question instead of exploring the concepts themselves, students are unfortunately

Stadium adjusts to alcohol

By Zack Pohlman Associate News Editor

This season, Notre Dame Stadium, the cathedral of college football, added a new feature not seen in many other cathedrals. For the first time, fans with general admission tickets at Notre Dame football games have been able to purchase alcoholic beverages at the stadium’s concession stands.

Mike Seamon, the vice president for university operations, events and safety, said that the storied venue’s history and unique position in the minds of fans were considered in the decision to begin alcohol sales.

“For that reason, we have been thoughtful over the years in our approach to changes and upgrades to the venue, mindful of the need to satisfy fan expectations and, at the same time, preserve the unique atmosphere of the stadium and its many traditions,” Seamon wrote in a statement to The Observer.

Notre Dame Stadium, famous for the lack of advertising within its bowl, was one of the last college stadiums to bring alcoholic beverages to football

NEWS | PAGE 2

Ceasefire agreement

Professors contexualize the Israel-Hamas agreement and what it means for the region.

games, despite its presence at the stadium for special events in the past and for premium ticket holders in private areas.

Elaborating on how the University approached the decision, Seamon wrote, “[Our] comprehensive review process included engaging peers at both the collegiate and professional team venues. We also had proof of concept offered by alcohol sales during stadium events including concerts and professional soccer games hosted over the past several years.”

The University of Michigan began selling alcoholic beverages at Michigan Stadium prior to the 2024 season.

Beverage offerings inside the stadium this season have included Coors Light, High Noon and Guinness. The Observer was denied access to the financials from concessions so far this season, though Seamon wrote, “we can assure you that there has been a warm response to this new game day amenity.”

Levy Restaurants, which provides concessions services for schools and venues across the country, is the University’s

see “Alcohol” on page 2

OPINION | PAGE 5

Advice column

In a new edition of Dear Domer, columnist Zora Rodgers writes on queso and relationships.

often able to do passable work. Entry-level liberal arts courses are particularly susceptible to this kind of encroachment. These classes often have less

demanding assignments and have students who are less comfortable writing essays or reading long passages. Why would these students read 80

pages of Socratic dialogues for a discussion group when a fewhundred-word summary from Gemini will do?

As of now, the responsibility to forgo AI lies with individual students, but to expect students to always restrain themselves from doing so is naive. Often, what occurs is that some dedicated students actually do the difficult work asked of them, while others float by with the help of AI. Students who rightly choose to complete their work in line with their professors’ AI policies should not be penalized for their academic honesty. AI should not only be prohibited in the lower-level courses students most often take to fulfill their core requirements. These classes should also be restructured to make AI use

Alumni reminisce on 1965’s ‘Remember Week’ events

By Mara Hall News Writer

In the fall of 1964, Notre Dame football was ranked No. 1 and undefeated heading into their game against USC. It was coach Ara Parseghian’s first season and the game was away at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum over Thanksgiving weekend. Notre Dame lost in the final minutes of the game when Rod Sherman of USC scored a touchdown in a controversial play.

Reflecting on the controversy, Joseph Stein ‘69, said, “Talk about disappointing, heartbreak, everybody thought their game was robbed — they probably were.”

Lou Bartoshesky ‘66 said, “[Parseghian was] one notch below God … he came along at a time when football was not doing well.”

Earl Guertin ‘67 noted the game was televised in a time that not every game was.

“I used to listen to Notre Dame games on the radio, but, by that

time, it was such an important game that it was televised,” Guertin said.

As a sports editor for The Voice, The Observer’s predecessor, Robert Campbell ‘66 recalled the ways media was reported in the 60s. He described watching home games from the box where the reporters from the bigger news outlets would have their typewriters with their paper notes that would be typed up later.

see “Remember” on page 4

National Gallery of Ireland director discusses art history

By Maggie Sheehan News Writer

On Wednesday evening, director of the National Gallery of Ireland Caroline Campbell visited Notre Dame’s Raclin Murphy Museum for a conversation with postdoctoral research associate Dr. Judith Stapleton. Campbell has held this role since November of 2022. Born and raised in Belfast, Campbell studied

SCENE | PAGE 7

Diane Keaton

Remembering the monumental actress, director and author in the wake of her recent death.

modern art at University College Oxford and earned an MA and PhD from the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. Previously, she worked as director of collections and research at the Nation Gallery, London. She has also published writings on European art from the Middle Ages to the mid-20th century, and she recently released a new book, “The Power of Art.” She began the conversation,

SPORTS | PAGE 3

Future of rivalry

With Saturday as the final scheduled meeting, where do USC and ND go from here?

which was hosted by the KeoughNaughton Institute for Irish Studies, by describing the collections of the National Gallery of Ireland. “It’s the only place in the world where you can see Irish art from the 1600s to the 21st century with objects of the highest quality,” Campbell said.

She discussed how the gallery see “AI” on page 6

see “Gallery” on page 4

SPORTS | INSIDER 3

Love & Price feature

The Fighting Irish running backs have blossomed into the nation’s most explosive duo.

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Professors comment on Gaza ceasefire

By Matthew Morin News Writer

Last Friday at midnight, phase one of a 20-point peace plan crafted by President Donald Trump came into effect between Israel and Hamas.

The plan articulated that Gaza would be “deradicalized” and redeveloped, that Israeli forces would withdraw and that both sides would exchange hostages.

According to the plan, Gaza will be “governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza,” as well as economic development. The committee will be chaired by Trump and consists of several heads of state, including former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair. After all of this, a dialogue is to be developed with the goal of ensuring long-term peace with Palestine having a pathway to statehood.

The plan was endorsed by the heads of the Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Canada, China, France, Italy and the United Kingdom, among other countries. With the implementation of the first phases of the plan, both sides received a return of their hostages.

Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and professor of international peace studies at the Kroc Institute, commented on the cease-fire in a statement to

Alcohol

Continued from page 1

partner for concessions.

“Levy is in its ninth year serving as the University’s concessionaire,” Seamon wrote. “Levy employs best practices across their venues in regards to the responsible serving of alcohol.”

The Observer.

“Oct. 13 was a great day. The release of 20 Israeli hostages and thousands of Palestinian prisoners, as well as the promise of major shipments of humanitarian aid to Gaza, came as a great relief… People of good faith around the world need to consider how to encourage President Trump to support peace in a way that respects rights and law,” O’Connell wrote.

While this peace has been a moment of hope for those watching the conflict over the past two years, there have been questions about its stability and the ability of this conflict to come to a peaceful resolution.

Professor Atalia Omer, who teaches religion, conflict and peace studies at the Keough School of Global Affairs wrote in a statement to The Observer, “The ceasefire is already violated — according to credible reports in Haaretz, Israel knew that Hamas will have hard time accessing the deceased hostages due to the utter destruction of Gaza, but now because Hamas has failed to delivered all the dead bodies, this offers a pretext to prevent entry of aid trucks as per the agreement.”

Omer said the lack of Palestinian involvement in the governance of the territory makes the situation, “very concerning in terms of the long term redressing of Palestinian grievances around their century long experience of dispossession, domination, and denial of their narratives, all vindicated and enabled by the international community.”

She argued former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s involvement on the peace board is, “troubling” because of his role

“The safety approach remains the same as in past seasons.”

Notre Dame Police Department and other law enforcement and safety partners are present within the stadium during games.

Seamon said that the University was committed to the safety of all attendees, including those under the legal drinking age of 21.

in the Iraq War.

Professor Michael Desch, director of the Notre Dame International Security Center and a professor of political science, commented on the current state of the cease-fire.

“The Israelis are complaining that Hamas has not disarmed, and I think that’s a fair complaint, although not surprising. And the Israelis are also complaining that Hamas has not returned all the bodies of Israeli hostages who were killed, and that, I think, is unfair. I mean, those people are under tons of rubble, along with many more Palestinians. So to expect, given the absolute state of destruction that Gaza has been subject to, [it would] be a miracle, if they were able to find all of the bodies,” Desch said.

Desch said there are several factors which, in his opinion, are inhibiting peace in the region. These include the Netanyahu government, which he says has, “no commitment to long term peace that produces an independent Palestinian state … and only the United States can keep [Netanyahu’s] feet to the fire and to his credit, President Trump seems to have been willing to do that, at least in the short term.”

He also suggested that there is a need for a stabilizing force in Gaza, including both neutral and Arab nations, as well as the need for large amounts of money to rebuild infrastructure there, which he hopes can come in contributions from the Arab and Gulf States and Europe.

Desch further emphasized how the Israeli government is hostile to the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“Netanyahu wants no independent Palestinian state,”

said. “I’ve seen so many people with drinks … in the student section that haven’t been caught.”

They said that since the stadium staff’s enforcement of the alcohol policy has been less strict, it has been easy to buy drinks, even if underage.

Desch said. “Members of his coalition believe that not only Gaza, but also Judea and Samaria and the West Bank are part of Eretz Israel, and they want the Palestinians to pick up and go somewhere else. And so in [Netanyahu’s] government, there’s no hope. I think there might be the possibility of a Labor government being more willing to continence an independent Palestinian state, although after the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin during the Oslo period of the 1990s, any movement in that direction seems likely to incite civil war in Israel.”

According to Omer, there are also issues in finding peace because of allegations of genocide occurring in Gaza. “There are also multiple reports on the systematic and engineered starvation of the Gaza strip – with all that it is shocking the lack of discussion of accountability for the people who orchestrated the genocide,” Omer wrote.

Omer argued the way forward must involve Palestine as an actor in negotiations.

“Gaza is for Palestinians to determine how it is going to look like and the US and the other international forces need to create the conditions for Palestinians to revitalize their political leadership,” Omer wrote. “The main flaw is that the ‘plan’ is a neocolonial imposition that does not change the realities on the ground of a regime of apartheid and occupation — if this regime does not change, there is no possibility of moving toward peace and equality.”

Contact Matthew Morin at mmorin2@nd.edu

much with the new menu items. They said they’ve avoided buying alcoholic beverages in the stadium so far.

“I feel like I have the opportunity to drink all I want before the game,” one student said.

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Seamon indicated that reports of unruly and intoxicated fans have held steady during the early part of the season, even with fans having access to alcohol in the stadium. The NDPD blotter reported 13 liquor violations, seven instances of public intoxication and two incidents involving possession of false identification on Sep. 13, the date of the Texas A&M game. For context, 30 such incidents were reported on Nov. 9, 2024, also a night game versus Florida State.

“The number of safety and security incidents from the Texas A&M and Purdue games have been similar and consistent with those recorded during previous seasons,” Seamon wrote.

“Levy verifies the ID of every individual before every transaction to ensure they are of legal drinking age (21 years old) in the state of Indiana,” Seamon wrote. “Students who engage in or facilitate underage drinking may be referred to the University Conduct Process for underage consumption, possession or transportation of alcoholic beverages, possession of false identification, or for providing alcoholic beverages to any person who is underage.”

Underage drinking in the student section is not uncommon. The Observer spoke to multiple underage students, who were granted anonymity to allow them to protect their privacy.

“I bought alcohol the first time at the Zach Bryan concert,” one

“It was much easier than I was anticipating,” they said. “The vendor looked high-school age, and I wasn’t even asked to show ID.”

Another student said they had a friend buy the drink for them and then paid them back. At that point, the only obstacle is getting past the ushers and back to the seats, but the student said they were not worried about that.

“If you just assume confidence when you walk, they’re not really going to do anything,” they said. “Sections like the junior, senior, grad students, you know, there’s a lot of 21-plus in those sections, so it’s just a hassle and unnecessary to really be dogging down on people there when they’re just enjoying their legal right to drink.”

For other students, the gameday experience hasn’t changed

Another student pointed to the cost of drinks as a sticking point. Compared to the drinks inside the stadium, drinks at the tailgates outside the stadium have one thing going for them –they’re free.

“It’s too expensive,” they said. “It’s not economical to get a lot of alcohol in the stadium.”

A third student was less worried about getting caught drinking underage than the hassle associated with procuring the drinks.

“I am a little concerned about [being underage], but my main worry is the expensive prices and long lines,” they said. “[At tailgates] it’s free and accessible so I throw a couple back.”

Contact Zack Pohlman at zpohlma2@nd.edu

By Zander Daigle News Writer

Every fall, Notre Dame sophomores and juniors consider options and sign leases for senior year offcampus housing offerings.

Undergraduate students are required to live on-campus for their first six semesters, with exemptions offered only on a case-by-case basis. The requests are considered by the Office of Residential Life. The cost of on-campus housing for the 20252026 academic term, including a meal plan, is $18,438.

The University has an Off-Campus Council to support students in their search, comprised of undergraduate students who live off-campus. The council hosted an informational session Tuesday discussing off-campus housing options. The University also runs a housing-search website which undergraduate and graduate

students can utilize to discover housing options and connect with roommates.

Several options for housing exist within the South Bend area, including the Foundry, the 87, Irish Row, Legacy Village, University Edge and the Overlook. Students can also work with Realty Services like Irish Gold Management to secure a house rather than an apartment.

The Foundry, located directly adjacent to campus on Eddy Street, offers a Planned Unit Development lifestyle featuring apartments above restaurants and shops through mixed-use infrastructure. The Foundry has a swimming pool, 24hour fitness center, entertainment areas, study areas and garage parking. The website does not list prices for the one, two and three-bedroom units.

Reflecting on her decision to live at The Foundry, Alexandra Odland,

a senior, said, “The biggest thing is that it’s in a PUD, so it has a combination of housing and shopping facilities, including Trader Joe’s. The most important thing for me was proximity to the gym and Debart.”

Odland commented on the two recent shootings reported on Eddy Street, stating, “I’ve lived in San Francisco, where I’ve felt unsafe, and Austin, Texas, where people openly carry guns, which was scary to me. There are bits and pieces of every city that will make everyone feel unsafe.”

She also described how living offcampus made her feel connected to the South Bend community, stating, “There is a stereotype that we are separate from South Bend. Yet, South Bend was here first, and Notre Dame is only a small piece of this puzzle.”

The 87 is within walking distance to campus, featuring apartment and

townhouse layouts. Its amenities include fully furnished apartments, study spaces, a gym and a golf and sports simulator lounge. Studios start at $1,435 monthly, and onebedroom apartments start at $1,780 monthly.

Ryan Hall junior Alexis McNally discussed her experience looking for off-campus housing and ultimate choice to live in the 87, stating, “We also looked at Irish Crossing, but we felt like the 87 fit us better. We all get our own bedroom and bathroom as well as a lot of amenities.”

Comparing the cost of living on and off campus, McNally said, “I will be saving money. The rent at the 87 is a little pricey, but I believe foodwise, I honestly have never come close to using my meal swipes in the dining hall. With that alone, I will definitely be saving money.”

Senior Quinn Drescher spoke positively about her experience with

MARCUS FREEMAN

the apartments.

Describing her housing search, she said, “We started looking for housing in the fall of my sophomore year, and I remember it was when the 87 first started doing its initial marketing efforts.”

Drescher believes moving offcampus is important to prepare for life post-graduation. “I think it would be pretty startling to go from the dorms to the dining halls to living alone, so I think this is a good stepping stone,” she said. “I definitely have to plan out my eating schedule better and budget time for the grocery store. I have tried to meal prep a little and hold myself responsible. It’s been imperative to maintain a balance between eating habits, school, and social life.”

The University Edge, located north of campus within driving distance, provides another option for off-campus apartments.

University Edge offers a shuttle service to campus and grocery stores, a pool, an outdoor grilling area and a gym. One-bedroom apartments start at $1,350 a month and twobedroom apartments start at $1,620 per month.

Senior Sarah David discussed her experience at University Edge, stating, “We evaluated The Foundry and the 87. University Edge ended up being the best for us in terms of price point, there’s like a 400-500 [dollar] difference between rent here at UE and the Foundry/87.”

David enjoys living off-campus. “I would say it is more efficient to live on campus, in terms of getting to class and having a meal plan. But that is not an inconvenience to me, as I do not mind driving and cooking,” she said.

Senior Erika Cucala Page chose to live in a house. “I’ve always wanted to be in a house and feel that independence. I felt that living in an apartment would be too dorm-like, and I wanted to feel more like a mature adult,” she said. “Though I loved living on-campus for three years, I just wanted to figure things out on my own. Plus, many of my friends moved off-campus, which made it even more important to be close to them.”

She echoed the sentiment that moving off campus helps prepare for life after Notre Dame. “Part of life and maturing, life is more than just studying. Simple things like laundry and cooking are very time-consuming when you’re used to being in a dorm,” she said.

Neither living in an apartment nor a house matched the needs or goals of junior Jacob Ovenshire.

“I’m going to try to be a residential assistant. I also signed up for the University’s promotion of committing to on-campus living in exchange for a $2,000 deduction from Room and Board,” Ovenshire said, referring to the Senior Incentive Credit, through which the University offers a $2,000 credit to the first 200 sophomore students who commit to living on campus. Contact Zander Daigle at zdaigle@nd.edu

Remember

Continued from page 1

The next year, the Notre Dame student body was insistent on remembering the happenings from 329 days prior, naming the week prior to the 1965 game against USC “Remember Week.”

In the “upcoming distractions” section of the October 22, 1965 Scholastic magazine, “REMEMBER” was scheduled at 1:30 p.m. Saturday Oct. 23, the start time of the 1965 game between Notre Dame and USC.

Stein described the tense nature of the week leading up to the 1965 game, because the pressure to beat USC was on.

“The whole week there were pep rallies every night. Everything culminated in that in the ‘Remember’ game,” said Stein.

Campbell noted the high energy of the old Field House during pep rallies. He explained that they would try and pack the whole student body of about 8,000 students into Field House, noting that he is not sure if that would even be possible. The players and coach were protected from the crowds by being out on a balcony.

“It was wild and loud because the building was long. It had brick walls and any sounds in there were deafening,” Campbell said.

Stein recalled the power of the student body’s chant on game day.

“Before the game, we were sitting in the stands, even for the warm ups. Just chanting, ‘remember,’ ‘remember.’ I have never heard a unison chant since then. It was repeated for such a long time,” Stein said.

The Oct. 25, 1965 edition of the South Bend Tribune reported, “The thump of the school band’s bass drum and the word, ‘Remember’ reverberated across the stadium, amplified by the [new] loudspeakers.”

The Voice reported that students hung a sign reading “Kill Cal” from the dome at about 6:15 a.m. on game day, which was not removed by the University until about 10 a.m.

Stein recalled large bedsheet signs hanging on the sides of Carroll Hall and Zahm Hall.

“They ... stitched bed sheets together. They had sheets with their paint signs on them that were almost as big as the side of the dorm,” Stein said.

On Oct. 25, 1965, the South Bend Tribune reported, “Halftime was a show in and of itself.

Hundreds of students streamed onto the field displaying homemade signs, plain and fancy, which warned the USC Trojans of the Irish wrath and revenge and urged Notre Dame to ‘Remember’ last year’s game that the Irish lost.”

In the end, the Irish heeded the fans’ advice and thumped USC 28-7.

Contact Mara Hall at mhall27@nd.edu

Gallery

Continued from page 1

was founded in 1854 in the wake of the Irish Potato Famine as an effort to rebuild Irish culture and recover from the financially and politically traumatic crisis. Last year, Campbell said, the gallery saw over 1 million visitors.

Campbell then detailed what she believes are two of the most important pieces in the gallery, Johannes Vermeer’s “Woman Writing a Letter, with Her Maid” (1670) and Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s “The Taking of Christ” (1602), pictured above. “‘The Taking of the Christ’ is made famous because of the moment of drama that is depicted here. What I love is Christ himself’s resignation on his face, as well as Caravaggio

himself, who has popped up here holding the lantern,” Campbell said. She emphasized that the details and emotions in the image, which are similarly reflected in “Woman Writing a Letter, with her Maid,” make both paintings significant to the gallery, as both of them work to make the viewer enter into that experience.

Campbell went on to describe upcoming plans for renovation of the gallery. In 2017, the gallery was reopened after major refurbishments, and in 2027, they plan to expand by adding a new building which will serve as a learning and conservation center. “Before we complete these renovations, we are reconsidering the collection at the 10th year of the refurbishments, giving us the opportunity to really think about how we present our collections,” Campbell said.

Campbell noted the gaps in

the gallery’s collections. The gallery is currently focusing on obtaining more 20th-century pieces. Campbell believes they need a strong collection in order to be revered as a central visualization of Irish history.

When asked about how the gallery has such a robust acquisition profile, Campbell shared that the gallery recently acquired two new pieces, Jack B. Yeats’ “Singing ‘The Dark Rosaleen’” (1921) and Roderic O’Connor’s “Flower, Bottle, and Two Jugs” (1892).

“Jack B. Yeats would be the Irish artist who people most know, and in Dublin, he is the artist who people swim up the River Liffey for every autumn,” Campbell said.

Swimming in the river commemorates Yeats’ painting “The Liffey Swim.”

The conversation then shifted to a discussion of Campbell’s personal

accomplishments. Campbell is the first female director of the National Gallery of Ireland. One of her primary messages to the audience was that art can serve as a space where important conversations can take place. She believes in the importance of sharing knowledge, expertise and identities in the context of art, especially as a woman who was raised in Northern Ireland during a politically turbulent era.

“As somebody who grew up in Northern Ireland and lived through The Troubles, I am a great respecter of people’s personal points of view and people’s differences, but I think understanding others and thinking about them in the context of your own life is what we really need to do,” Campbell said.

Contact Maggie Sheehan at msheeha9@nd.edu

Dear Domer: Queso, flirting 101 and ‘Pink Pony Club’

By Zora Rodgers Columnist,

Every week or so, Opinion columnist Zora Rodgers responds to anonymous advice submissions. To get advice, scan the QR code below.

Dear Domer, I went on a first date with a guy to a Mexican restaurant. He did NOT get queso. Am I wrong to judge him for this?

Dear Domer, and I have never said this before, but is it bad that I’m on the guy’s side? What if the poor dude is lactose intolerant? That is not a reason to judge. Sometimes queso just isn’t the vibe. I can see why you’d be concerned, but if that’s honestly his biggest red flag, then I say keep seeing him! Good luck!

Dear Domer, my boyfriend thinks his miniscule problems are a huge deal and won’t stop telling me about them. How do I get him to shut up?

Dear Domer, this is a fabulous question! There are two ways that you can go about this. Number one is healthier than number two. On the one hand, this first option is gentler but probably won’t solve the problem in the long-term. Try making him feel better about his issues by complimenting him. Hear me out! If he’s complaining about getting a B on a quiz, for example, say “But I’m sure other people did much worse! You’re obviously very smart to have gotten such a good grade.” The “praise” will make him stop complaining because it makes him feel better about himself and less like the world is out to get him. This is a lesson taken straight out of the book, “Why Men Love B*tches,” so you know it’s legit. The more toxic option is to pick a fight. If he’s boring you about, let’s say, going to the gym, you can pull out the famous Kourtney Kardashian line and remind him that there are people who are dying. This is textbook manipulation and will 100% lead to an argument. But it’s a surefire way to get your point across. Try both and lmk!!

Dear Domer, will you please make “Pink Pony Club” stop? I don’t know how to deal with hearing it everywhere I go.

Dear Domer, are you schizophrenic? I have not even heard “Pink Pony Club” at football games. Where are they playing it? I actually haven’t heard that song in forever, not even at the bars. I recommend the AirPod Pros. Their noise cancellation feature is so good, that when I first tried them at the gym, I thought someone had turned off the music in the gym. Sorry to hear you’ve been having problems!

Dear Domer, I see a guy working out at the Guglielmino Center in blue jeans like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Is this concerning?

Dear Domer, that is odd. Maybe he didn’t have time to change before and still wanted to get a good pump? Was he hitting legs? I have so many questions. I think that that is very concerning, and I’m glad you wrote to me. If he’s in the Gug, isn’t he an athlete or team manager? Meaning he should have free, team-issued WORKOUT PANTS. I’m sorry this happened.

Dear Domer, I recently had a man I was dating for eight months tell me he didn’t want me to be his girlfriend and broke things off. He said he wanted to continue being friends, but we haven’t been in contact since he cut things off. How do I get revenge without looking desperate or going ghost?

Dear Domer. Yikes. I’m sorry that happened! Set a clear boundary with him. I don’t condone friendships with exes. They’re messy and never just casual. The faster you amicably cut things off, the faster you can begin to heal. I think in regards to setting boundaries, tell him you need space. This can be over text or in-person, if he ever reaches out. In regard to revenge, the loudest thing you can do is live your best life. Sounds corny, but it’s true. Not that I condone this, but the second you’re healed he will come crawling back. That’s how men are, unfortunately. But that doesn’t mean you should let him back in. Best of luck to you on your healing journey!!

Dear Domer, I saw a cute guy at ABP while I was waiting with my best friend for

her strawberry smoothie. It may have been obvious that we were looking at him and smiling (and whispering because we can’t keep our big mouths shut). However, he walked away and glanced at us, but no words were exchanged. Advice for talking to men in these scenarios? How do I break the ice? Will I see him again?

Dear Domer, less staring and more talking!! Staring scares away anyone who is in their right minds (and we want someone who is in their right mind). Maybe compliment his outfit some time and ask him where he got something in particular. Perfect way to strike up a conversation. Try it and lmk!!

Dear Domer, my roommate gave up on shampoo due to forever chemicals. He reeks. How do I tell him that the stank follows him through campus?

Dear Domer, I have been in a similar situation. Don’t do what I did, which is tell my friend who is closer to the stanker to tell him that he stinks. I say this because he confronted me, and I cried! Life is full of uncomfortable conversations, and this is good practice in one of them. Maybe say something like, “Hey, have you considered switching to a different shampoo? I don’t think this one is working, said with love.” Those last three words are really important. Or, if he vapes/ drinks, say “Why are you worried about forever chemicals in your shampoo when you ingest them regularly?” I feel like the people most worried about aluminum and forever chemicals are the biggest hypocrites. Try it and let me know!

Dear Domer, I have a crush on a guy in the same friend

Form! Good luck bestie!

Dear Domer, recently I’ve realized that I have NO idea how to tell when people are flirting with me. My friends always point out when someone is supposedly trying to get with me, but I can never see what they’re talking about. I fear this is becoming a significant obstacle to my love life. Are my friends delusional or am I really just the most oblivious person alive?

group as me and I don’t know what to do about it. I feel like I’m totally stuck in the friend zone, and as a girl, I don’t want to make the first move! I really don’t want to ruin the group dynamics or the friendship. How do I get over this crush? Or do I have to make a move?? I feel like we get along so well but I don’t know how to assess if he feels the same way. PLEASE HELP!

DEAR DOMER!!! I am here for you girl. I have a friend who was in the same situation. It’s definitely tricky because you don’t want to ruin the friend dynamic, but I’d argue that the dynamic is already jilted because of your feelings, despite him being oblivious. I am a huge advocate for going after what you want and making the first move! Men are often shy, and if he feels the same way, he probably won’t do anything. Men used to go to war, and now they can’t even tell you when they have feelings. The first thing you can do is ask around. Do some digging and find out if he’s talking to anyone. Use one of your TRUSTWORTHY friends as a plant and have them ask him how he feels about you (time and place matter, of course). If you want to make a move, you can’t go wrong with some casual flirting! Ask him if he’s going out to the bars when the weekend comes, and get flirty. Touch his arm, compliment his outfit and if it’s going well and he’s reciprocating, call him cute/attractive and see how he reacts. Scary, but liquid courage will definitely help. I would never lead you astray. I have tried this myself and have a 100% success rate. Please please let me know how it goes by emailing zrodgers@nd.edu or responding back to the Google

Dear Domer, you knocked it out of the park with this one. I don’t think your friends are delusional. They have no reason to be! I’m sure you’re very good looking, and hey, being oblivious is not a crime. You came to the right person for help. Certain people will never leave you guessing when it comes to flirting. However, introverts exist, and a gray area emerges. Here are some ways to tell if someone is flirting with you: eye contact, being looked up and down, them looking at your mouth (weird I know), playful touching, laughing at something you said even if it wasn’t funny, lots of smiling, compliments, etc. If you pick up on one or more of these mannerisms (that are often subconscious on their part), try flirting back! See my previous response for flirting tips. Hopefully this helps and your love life starts seeing better days!

Dear Domer, how should I slide into a random man’s DMs if we met on an app?

Dear Domer, I would say “How have I never DM’d you before you’re so cute.” Just like that, but no punctuation. I only added some because my editor would crucify me if I didn’t for the sake of the English language. That DM is simple and straight to the point. It takes a special type of person to send that DM, but I believe you are that special person. Like I said, I would never tell you to do something I wouldn’t do. I have sent that exact message before and, like Steph Curry when he shoots for three, it was good. Good luck!

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

REDMOND BERNHOLD | The Observer

“Dear Domer”

AI

Continued from page 1

functionally impossible. Assignments should be formulated in such a way that students cannot use artificial intelligence tools in substantive ways.

Professors should employ in-class essays, oral exams and rigorous discussions

— assessment options that are far more difficult to use AI tools to complete. Assignments that force a close reading of the text should constitute the bulk of grading in any introductory humanities class. These entry-level humanities courses, which an overwhelming majority of students use to fulfill their Core Curriculum

requirements, should have a no-tolerance AI policy. When teachers try to incorporate AI into these classes, such as by having students create AI outlines of chapters, the result is often that discussion centers on only the basic elements of the text, instead of diving deeply into the fine details. These courses should be about teaching students how to read and write well

— a task which AI can only detract from.

Admittedly, some aspects of AI can — and arguably should — be explored in college courses. In science and math classes, AI can help students code or solve problems more efficiently so they can build more important technical skills.

Ultimately, however, the Core Curriculum is not about

Balance your 20s better

By Ana Prestamo Columnist, “Mind the Gap”

In your 20s, you should:

“Forget work-life balance.” “Grind now, build your empire.” “You’ll never be this free again, don’t waste your youth on work.” The scale tips a little differently after every scroll. One reel urges you to wake up at 5 a.m., journal, drink green juice and maximize your potential, while another declares that hustle culture is toxic, you should go out and have fun, because if not now when, right? Lost between so many contradictions, we’re expected to decipher the “right” path.

This is the paradox of our 20s: to be told to take everything seriously, but not too seriously; to have a five-year plan, but also “live in the moment;” to go to the gym, but not for vanity; to party, but only for the memories; to network, but make it look effortless. We are encouraged to find purpose but warned against expecting too much of life. The result: a quiet, anxious exhaustion that comes from trying to live every possible version of our 20s at once.

The problem isn’t the abundance of advice, but the illusion that all of it can be followed simultaneously or that it somehow must. Isolate every piece of guidance and there’s wisdom to be found: Work hard, because discipline does build character, and by all means, go

By Sophia Anderson Columnist, “Transfer Tales”

67, chopped, AI cannibal fruit eating fruit videos — all these terms have one thing in common: They’re considered brain rot.

Brain rot has been a hallmark of Gen Z culture, frequently cited by older generations as a sign of generational failings and decline, for years now. Really becoming popular in 2020, at the height of the COVID pandemic, the term brain rot has dominated the media so effectively that it was named Oxford’s 2024 Word of the Year. Originally used to mean literal brain decay as a result of social media overconsumption, brain rot now usually refers to the actual videos and memes (characterized by lowquality audio and visuals and random, uncomplex humor) that cause the supposed “rot.” At first glance, brain damage

efficiency or crossing classes off a checklist. Rather, it is an essential aspect of a Catholic education. It articulates a worldview that education is not merely a matter of acquiring technical skills, but rather becoming a virtuous person and a responsible citizen. If a Notre Dame education has not instilled these qualities in its students, then it has fundamentally failed.

Brain rot is not to blame

caused by constant consumption of unintelligent jokes and mindless TikTok scrolling is obviously a bad thing. For years, the world has been “concerned” about Gen Z; our attention span, overall intelligence, educational capabilities and (now that we’ve grown up) employability. Nevermind that we lost formative social years to COVID — we also spend countless hours doom scrolling, use AI for every problem we’ve ever had to solve and move back in with our parents when we graduate because we’re just too lazy to find jobs (and are even offended by the word “job!”).

Obviously, outrageously untrue stereotypes from older generations about young people are nothing new, and neither are generation-specific slang terms and inside jokes. Before TikTok, there was Vine; before Vine, YouTube; MTV, regular TV and if you go back far enough, radio/recorded

music. While people love to criticize those who come after them, we often miss that once a generation’s prime has passed, the most popular elements of their culture (their brain rot) are immortalized as important parts of history and major societal milestones. Elvis Presley’s music, the Thriller MTV video and the Harry Potter movies are considered some of the most influential pop culture developments of all time, and they were all originally demonized by older people who didn’t understand or relate to them. While the typical brain rot meme might never be regarded as highly as Michael Jackson is, short-form content and the creators and platforms who create and distribute it have permanently altered American culture. History books will never be able to talk about the 2020s without mentioning TikTok, even if they could, they shouldn’t.

Besides being culturally influential, brain rot is simply healthy for Gen Z. It’s normal for young people to have inside jokes and slang terms that only they understand; it helps us relate to each other, find common ground and build social connections, even in person. Social media is unavoidable, but using it to share humor alongside news (both political and otherwise), pessimistic opinions and regular school/ lifestyle content helps keep the platform fun and diverse. Brain rot, while maybe not our most intellectual cultural contribution, is also not to blame for Gen Z’s mental health struggles, challenges in the job market or economic difficulties. A combination of economic policy, world events and the simple passage of time has led to the dire financial situation that affected millennials long before it has affected us, and will likely

continue to harm generations to come. Brain rot is an easy scapegoat, but rather than a cause of Gen Z’s biggest challenges, it is a symptom.

Overcoming our natural inclination to blame brain rot may help us to root out and address real issues affecting our generation: the housing crisis, a historically bad job market and deep stress and concern over social issues are only a few of the much more logical places to begin addressing the multitude of hurdles facing young adults today. Who better to solve them than Notre Dame students, rotted brains or not?

The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.

Contact Sophia Anderson at sander38@nd.edu

LIAM FLYNN | The Observer

Falling in love with Trader Joe’s fall treats

By Aly Rothfus Scene Writer

Whether we are watching a juicy episode of “Gossip Girl” or a tearjerking scene from “Crash Landing on You,” my friends and I are going to want to indulge in some Trader Joe’s snacks. While everyone enjoys their fall break, whether it be on or off campus, here are some autumnal treats to try during your week of rest.

Maple & Sea Salt Kettle Corn and Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs

Hot take: Maple treats are better than pumpkin ones — fight me! Both of these snacks are insanely addictive. The kettle corn is the best kettle corn I have had. During a Sunday lock-in session at Hes, I could not put the bag of kettle corn down. The snack has a sweet maple flavor that is not overpowering. The Maple Pancake Flavored Puffs also had a light maple flavor. The texture was similar to Pirate’s Booty except lighter. My roommate, freshman Marie Laracy, described the snack as “Pirate Booty’s dignified older sister.”

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins and Glazed Pumpkin Pie Spiced Donut Holes

that the cardamom was to blame. However, when I added the Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer — I am telling you guys, maple is the best — it was very pleasant. Freshman Elizabeth LeSage agreed with this sentiment, saying, “The cold brew wasn’t anything special, but with the maple cold foam it had that nice extra taste of fall.”

Juicy Apple Gummy Candy

I picked these up at the checkout since the packaging was super eye-catching. I was expecting these to be like Gushers, but the texture was very different. The gummy had more of a Haribo consistency, and the filling was looser. Freshman Alexandra Welsch compared eating the gummies to “biting into a fresh apple.” It was a fun treat, but the green gummies were definitely better than the red ones since they were more tart.

Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies

A sweet pumpkin treat that I have heard a lot about but

As a trendy gluten-free girl, I love Trader Joe’s gluten-free baked goods. A couple of their offerings this fall were the gluten-free Pumpkin Streusel Muffins and the gluten-free Glazed Pumpkin Pie Spiced Donut Holes. The muffins were moist but a little crumbly (so is every gluten-free muffin though). The flavors included every fall spice, and my roommate and I both agreed that it would pair well with a coffee from Cafe J. The donuts were also delicious. The pumpkin flavor in both of these was not too overpowering, and they also were not too sweet.

cannot eat (thank you celiac) is the Petite Pumpkin Spice Cookies. Freshman Isabelle Glunz said, “I loved them! They were a delicious fall hit and they really helped me get into the season! They were worth the bike ride.”

Pumpkin Spice Tortilla Chips

I would have never expected myself to like a pumpkin spice chip, but it actually worked. These chips would go well with dips such as mango salsa or the Trader Joe’s Greek yogurt guacamole.

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Typically I am not a fan of storebought overnight oats, but I was able to get behind this. I am assuming the pumpkin puree helped with the texture. The flavor was not artificial tasting or sugary. It is perfect for a quick breakfast.

Vanilla Cardamom Cold Brew and Salted Maple Cold Foam Creamer

Trader Joe’s coffee can be hit or miss, so I did not know what to expect from the limited edition Vanilla Cardamom Cold Brew. By itself, it tasted vile to me: I suspect

There is your roundup of fun seasonal treats to try. Laracy wrapped up our snack trial by saying, “Each of these items, in their respective ways, tastes like a candle, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!” I never thought about it that way, but she is correct, especially when it comes to any Trader Joe’s seasonal items. On that note, go home and have a TJ’s snack party while watching a fall favorite before autumn phases out.

Contact Aly Rothfus at arothfus@nd.edu

Diane Keaton and her transcendent relatability

By Ellie Collins Scene Writer

For their beautifully innocent personas and coruscating vulnerability, many young actresses are dubbed ingenues at the start of their careers. This image, of course, fades as audiences grow familiar with it; an actress must succeed in proving herself more than just a Hollywood archetype to be deemed worthy of longevity on our screens. Diane Keaton, who died on Saturday at the age of 79, took every element of her conventionality and turned it on its head — while she greeted us with beloved vulnerability and sweetness, it was not the kind fragile enough to conform to industry ideals. From the start, Keaton created her own kind of femininity, relatability and humorous charm, which never had the chance to wane from our minds.

Keaton began her career on stage, most notably appearing in “Play It Again, Sam,” Woody Allen’s romantic comedy that earned her a Tony nomination and ignited a decadeslong partnership with Allen. After a few films alongside him, Allen wrote his magnum opus, “Annie Hall” (1977), with Keaton in mind; the film established her quirky, wry humor and iconic androgynous style (which was greatly inspired by Katharine Hepburn). It also earned her an Academy Award. Moreover, while

Keaton certainly shone in comedies — with subsequent roles in “Baby Boom” (1987), “Father of the Bride” (1991) and “Something’s Gotta Give” (2003) — she balanced her dramatic talent with appearances in films like “Reds” (1981), “Marvin’s Room” (1996) and “The Godfather” saga. Keaton’s light never ceased to shine when standing beside other stars. In large part, this can be attributed to the unique transparency she granted each of her characters. Though also seen in the relatability of Louise in “Reds” and Erica in “Something’s Gotta Give,” her portrayal of Kay in “The Godfather” (1972) is a testament to this. Although hers may not be the first performance to come to mind when discussing Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece, the emotion she brought to Michael Corleone’s gentle and trusting wife was crucial to the film’s punch. In the wake of the Corleone family’s brutal morality, Kay serves as an intermediary between the audience and the family’s callous lifestyle; through

Keaton’s natural sympathy and utterly expressive eyes, she serves as a reminder of Michael’s humanity. That is why the final shot (probably the most well-known of the entire saga), in which the door to Michael’s office is closed upon her, is focused on her desperate expression. Similarly, Keaton maintained an authenticity that persistently drew audiences towards her. From the outset, Keaton seemed to understand the ingenue persona’s shallowness regarding reliance on beauty

and femininity. Thus, through her roles, she honed a captivating originality and independence — sure, she possessed the standard loveliness of a romantic lead, but she was never held down by the man playing opposite her. Take, for example, stories like “Something’s Gotta Give,” which, in a rare case, placed an older woman at the forefront of a romantic comedy. The lines on Keaton’s face did not matter; the film worked because she brought her authenticity to the project, as she always had. In whatever she did throughout her career, she held on to elements of the genuine, alluring oddball that we initially met in “Annie Hall,” and did not need any help from others when it came to channeling that genuine nature.

Diane Keaton will often be referred to as the monumental actress, director and author, notable for films like “Annie Hall” and “Reds.” Yet, it is hard to distill the work of someone who was so nonconformist; Keaton paved the way for a new kind of femininity — one that unapologetically favors humor and emotionality over glamour, despite Keaton herself being undisputedly beautiful. She was one of those unique actresses able to command both comedy and tragedy, reflecting the hearts and minds of her audience.

Contact Ellie Collins at ecollin9@nd.edu

BEN SMITH | The Observer

Is this the end for Notre Dame and USC?

By Ben Hicks Associate Sports Editor

Notre Dame and Southern California have been competing on the gridiron since 1926. The two storied programs’ annual meeting has only been interrupted because of the Second World War and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet Saturday’s showdown in South Bend remains the final scheduled game on the docket between the Trojans and Fighting Irish, with no imminent extension in sight. If this is truly the ultimate edition of college football’s greatest and most historic intersectional rivalry, how did it all come to this?

There is no debate that USC and Notre Dame are two of college football’s elite brands and premier programs. They have each had their fair share of success against each other and within the national landscape, which you can read about in Payton Dymek’s recent piece. However, this point wasn’t reached due to a lack of big games or a lack of success from either program. Like most changes in the world of intercollegiate athletics, money and power are to blame for the potential termination of Notre Dame’s most important annual series.

Fans of the Irish like to ridicule Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley for his perceived softness and fear of playing big-time

opponents. While it is true that Riley escaped Oklahoma as the Sooners were preparing to join the SEC, and it is equally true that Riley has struggled against Notre Dame and the upper echelon of the Big Ten, he and the USC brass have legitimate reasons to consider their standing in this rivalry.

It can also be true that head coach Marcus Freeman, athletic director Pete Bevacqua and Notre Dame are doing all they can to ensure the rivalry continues. Make no mistake, if this is the final time USC and Notre Dame square off inside the lines, USC is at fault. So why do the Trojans see a benefit in not playing Notre Dame?

Whether or not the Big Ten schedule is actually all that grueling is up to debate. But the College Football Playoff (CFP) selection committee mandated last year that Big Ten teams with impressive records, regardless of their strength of schedule, would be included in the Playoff field (see Indiana).

Selection for the Playoff is a massive revenue generator, provides a huge boost in recruiting, and presents a level of stability for any program. So in the minds of the Trojans, why risk a non-conference loss to the Irish when you already have to deal with the likes of Washington, Oregon, Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State in conference play?

As the rivalry is currently played, Southern Cal has to either travel to South Bend during the heart of conference play or host Notre Dame right before they would ideally play in an intense Big Ten Championship Game. The annual rivalry provides all the value (and lots of money) to Notre Dame, while USC feels like they have to both beat Notre Dame and remain successful in one of college football’s best conferences to gain respect. Naturally, the Trojans feel slighted.

Various solutions have been floated by both administrations, but each plan involves one side making key concessions to the other’s wishes. There have been talks to move the game up to September, but that would heavily frontload an already grueling beginning of the season in most Notre Dame schedules. Netflix proposed a massive contract to televise the series and move the games off-campus to neutral sites, but that would likely violate both Notre Dame’s NBC contract, and the Big Ten’s lucrative deal with CBS, NBC and FOX. Of course, Notre Dame is content continuing the series as it is, but we’ve already discussed USC’s insecurities with the current framework.

As the CFP looks to expand once again, talks of guaranteeing automatic bids to the Big Ten and SEC have emerged. In this case, postseason for USC would

FOOTBALL

only hinge on their performance in conference games, rendering the Notre Dame meeting largely unimportant but likely allowing the series to continue. The other solution for USC would be to simply outperform the Irish on the football field, not in the boardroom or the press conference, and win the game. But where’s the joy in that?

Ever present, Freeman dismissed the uncertainty and turned his focus to Saturday, saying, “I know there’s discussions, and hopefully we can continue this great rivalry. The focus right now for me, obviously, is this one that we have.

That’s the only guarantee, and [we’ll] put everything we got into this one that we have.”

As we all await the future, Freeman reminds us not to lose sight of the present. Saturday’s battle for the Jeweled Shillelagh shapes up to be among the most consequential since the turn of the century, and future disappointment shouldn’t distract from the spectacle inside Notre Dame Stadium. After all, whoever claims the trophy on Saturday night may just hold it for eternity.

Contact Ben Hicks at bhicks2@nd.edu

Irish defense looks forward to rivalry challenge

By Tyler Reidy Associate Sports Editor

Since the calendar flipped to October, Notre Dame football has been led by its defense. While the high-flying Irish offense looked sluggish at times in recent wins against Boise State and NC State, it’s been able to play without any pressure thanks to what’s happened on the other side of the football.

Over their last 14 quarters, the Irish have conceded 34 points. That’s quite the improvement for defensive coordinator Chris Ash’s unit, which had surrendered 91 points through its first 10 quarters of 2025.

“We’re playing more consistent together as a unit, and obviously we’re eliminating some explosive plays that we had given up in a couple of those games early on,” Ash said. “The guys just show up to work every single day. They know what we have to do to improve … and, to their credit, they’ve gone out and worked hard to try to make that happen.”

Both junior linebacker Drayk Bowen and sophomore linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa identified communication as a

leading contributor for defensive improvement.

“I think it’s just people knowing exactly what they’re supposed to do and kind of [having] a clarity of what everyone’s doing on the field,” Bowen said. “There’s no gray at all. It’s black and white.”

Bowen also astutely pointed out that understanding assignments will be critical against this week’s opponent, No. 20 USC, a team that often uses motions to pick off what the defense is trying to do. And that’s just one layer of the onion. Whether heavily utilizing pre-snap motion or not, the Trojans regularly bring one of the nation’s strongest offenses to the table, and that’s the case again this year.

“They’re talented. They’ve got speed. They’ve got a good scheme,” Ash said. “It starts with the players. They’ve got good players, and then when you match that with a good scheme, they just put stress on you every play for 60 minutes, and you’ve got to be on your job and all the details for 60 minutes.”

As far as playmakers go, the Trojans are loaded, but not without question marks. USC has seen its deep running back

room slashed with long-term injuries to Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders, who have combined for more than 800 rushing yards but will both miss the Notre Dame game. That leaves walk-on King Miller, who averages 10.7 yards per carry and manhandled Michigan with 158 rushing yards last week as the top back.

On Monday, Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman demanded that Saturday’s game be a “bloody” one. Not in terms of further injuring USC, but instead with regard to Notre Dame’s physicality.

“It’s just a game that’s gonna be won in the trenches,” ViliamuAsa said.

USC’s weapons are more solidified at wide receiver, a traditional position of strength for the Trojans. Makai Lemon is an established star, as he ranks second nationally with 682 receiving yards through just six games. His sidekick, Ja’Kobi Lane, has been quieter but was a touchdown machine last season. The Trojans also feature two notable tight end threats in Lake McRee and Walker Lyons.

Second-year starting quarterback Jayden Maiava ties it all

together for a USC offense that is top-two in college football in points per game, yards per game and yards per play. Last season, Maiava did not become the starter until November, but he still gave the Irish trouble in their Nov. 30 matchup, recording 360 passing yards and five total touchdowns. This season, he tops the nation in quarterback rating.

At this point, if you’ve watched past Notre Dame-USC games, you might be thinking about Caleb Williams. As the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, he led the unbeaten Trojans into South Bend in 2023, and the Irish put him in a torture chamber for 60 minutes with their pressure and coverage. They’ll seek a similar outcome with Maiava on Saturday night.

“We have to affect the quarterback, but you have to do that in different ways,” Ash said. “It’s not necessarily just about sacks.”

It might even be about ending the rivalry as we know it on the desired terms. The future of Notre Dame-USC isn’t certain right now, but the intensity of its participants will always be a guarantee. Bowen, an Indiana native, aims to channel the

game’s historical significance into his play.

“There’s a long history for Notre Dame and USC, and so playing this game – people before that have played really well in this game are legends — so this is one of the biggest games of our season, their season,” Bowen said. “It’s something you mark on your calendar every year and make sure that you’re ready for USC.”

Ash isn’t oblivious to the stakes, either. At other coaching stops, he’s played a hand in showdowns like The Game and the Red River Rivalry, but he’s aware of the reverence and attention that college football’s greatest intersectional rivalry demands.

“I’ve been a part of some other big ones – Ohio State-Michigan, Texas-Oklahoma, and then this one,” Ash said. “I feel really fortunate to be here [and] to have this opportunity to be in this game … It’s one of the best rivalries in all of sports, so it’s gonna be a great atmosphere and a great opportunity to go out and play on Saturday night.”

Contact Tyler Reidy at treidy3@nd.edu

INDIA DOERR/KALLIE BELCHER | The Observer Sophomore safety Adon Shuler returns the interception in Notre Dame’s 36-7 victory over NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 11, 2025.

QUESTION OF THE DAY:

Grace Dillon senior Off-campus

“Seeing my boyfriend.”

Alina Ames sophomore Regina Hall

“My dog.”

What are you looking forward to over fall break?

Anvita Jaipuria sophomore Badin Hall

“Visiting my sister in New York.”

CROSSWORD | WILL SHORTZ

Henry Kellen junior Dunne Hall

“Camping with my friends.”

Michael Nobrega freshman Alumni Hall

“Sleeping in my own bed.”

SOCIAL MEDIA POLL

Have an idea for a poll? Email dstangel@nd.edu

What are your plans for fall break?

In a recent survey conducted by The Observer via Instagram, the tri-campus community shared their plans for fall break. 136 students plan on traveling home for the upcoming week, making up 63% of respondents. 60 students have plans to travel with family or friends, consisting of 28% of voters. Meanwhile, 21 students shared that they will be staying on campus, 10% of respondants. Regardless of what students plan on doing over break, everyone is certainly excited for a week away from classes, homework and exams following midterms.

THE NEXT FIVE DAYS

Want your event included here? Email news@ndsmcobserver.com

Friday

Cultivating Hope with Cardinal McElroy Conversation wirh Fr. Dowd on politics and social divides. 215-216 Mckenna Hall 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday

Notre Dame football vs. USC

The Irish face their rivals the Trojans. Notre Dame Stadium 7:30 p.m.

Sunday

Film: ‘Monster House’ Animated tale following the misadventures of three teens. Debartolo Performing Arts Center

1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Monday

Holy Cross men’s golf tournament

The Saints take on the other collegiate golf teams. Warren Golf Course All day

Tuesday

“Catholic Approaches to Mining” Collaborators from ND, Vatican and Oxford launch framework. Zoom 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

GABRIELLA MARTIN | The Observer

The Notre Dame women’s soccer team faced Southern Methodist University in their final home game on Oct. 12. The Irish claimed victory over the Mustangs in a 3-0 win, maintaining their undefeated season record.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Irish prepare to battle No. 6-ranked Wolfpack

By Jacek Kawczynski Sports Writer

Boasting a 7-2-4 record and a four game unbeaten streak, the Irish brace for impact against NC State (91-2), in what looks to be a highly contested matchup.

The Wolfpack currently sit at No. 6 in the national polls and are coming off a comfortable 1-0 win against Clemson. Their offense is led by junior forward Donovan Phillip, who leads the country with 14 goals on the season, while their defense, led by sophomore defender Nikola Markovic and senior goalkeeper Logan Erb, ranks first in the nation for shutout percentage.

Meanwhile, the Irish are coming off a tightly contested 1-1 game against Virginia (7-1-3), where senior midfielder KK Baffour assisted junior forward Jack Flanagan, who scored his first goal of the season in the 86th minute, stealing a tie in the dying seconds of the game.

Notre Dame’s

stingy defense was instrumental in the tie and is led by sophomore goalkeeper Blake Kelly, who registered three saves on the game and is now up to 45 on the season. The offense is led by senior forward Wyatt Borso, who has five goals so far this season, taking his career total tally up to eight.

The Irish lead the headto-head matchup against NC State 5-2-1. Their most recent encounter ended in a 3-1 victory for Notre Dame.

The game was unusually one-sided for the rivalry, in which five of the last eight games have been decided by one goal or ended in a draw.

Notre Dame has kept a clean sheet in three of its last five games against the Wolfpack, and will aim to continue this trend when the teams clash on Friday.

NC State has never won a game in South Bend and has not defeated the Irish since 2019. The matchup proves to be key for both squads, as they are currently 2-1-2 in the conference. The winning team will not only see a boost

in the national rankings, but will also gain an advantage in the conference standings.

The ACC has been especially strong this year and has five teams in the top-25 national rankings

(No. 1 Stanford, No. 6 NC State, No. 9 Virginia, No. 10 Duke and No. 17 North Carolina). With a plethora of great teams in a difficult conference, every win counts for more, meaning this game will prove pivotal for both squads’ playoff chances. Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m. at Alumni Stadium.

Contact Jacek Kawcztnski at jkawcyzn@nd.edu

ADALINE CURTIS | The Observer

Senior forward Wyatt Borso heads in the go-ahead goal in Notre Dame’s 4-2 victory over Green Bay at Alumni Stadium on Oct. 7, 2025. Borso is now up to five goals in the 2025 campaign to lead all Irish scorers.

Explore Notre Dame’s 11-month Master of Science in Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

Innovation

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Innovation Fellowship candidates will automatically receive a $45,000 scholarship when admitted to the program, with the opportunity to apply for additional need-based aid

Irish dominate St. Lawrence in home opener

By Caloe Peretti Sports Writer

Notre Dame hockey delivered an emphatic response to its earlyseason struggles Thursday night, defeating St. Lawrence 8-2 in a commanding home opener at Compton Family Ice Arena. The Irish exploded for eight unanswered goals and controlled the game from start to finish to earn their first win of the season.

With the victory, Notre Dame improved to 1–2–0 overall, while St. Lawrence fell to 1–4–0. The Irish outshot the Saints 47–21, won 35 of 55 faceoffs and dominated time of possession through the final two periods.

The game opened with St. Lawrence taking advantage of early opportunities. The Saints struck first at 18:04 in the first period when Filip Juricek found the net off assists from Sam Frandina and Cayden Casey. Less than two minutes later, St. Lawrence extended its lead to 2–0 as Sam LeDrew scored on assists from Jan Olenginski and Mason Kucenski.

Notre Dame answered with an immediate shift in momentum.

At 4:41, sophomore forward Cole Knuble put the Irish on the board with a clean finish setup by freshmen Brennan Ali and Pano Fimis. The goal cut the deficit to one and sparked Notre Dame’s surge that would continue through the remainder of the game.

The second period was defined by complete Irish control. Five minutes into the frame, freshman forward Evan Werner tied

the game at 2–2 with his first goal of the season, assisted by defenseman Axel Kumlin and center Danny Nelson. The goal began a run of four unanswered goals in the period that buried the Saints’ early lead.

At 2:38, Nelson recorded the eventual game-winner, finishing a setup from freshman defenseman Caeden Carlisle and sophomore defenseman Jaedon Kerr to give Notre Dame its first lead of the night. The Irish extended the advantage less than two minutes later when Kumlin joined the rush and buried a shot from the slot, assisted by junior defenseman Henry Nelson and Werner.

Notre Dame continued to capitalize on its pressure, and with 1:32 left in the second period, junior forward Sutter Muzzatti scored unassisted to make it 5–2. The Irish outshot St. Lawrence 14–6 in the period and their depth began to separate them from the visitors.

The third period showcased Notre Dame’s special teams and scoring balance. At 16:14, Knuble tallied his second goal of the night on the power play, with assists from junior defenseman Paul Fischer and Werner. The goal marked Notre Dame’s first power-play conversion of the season, highlighting improved puck movement and execution.

At 8:05, sophomore forward Cole Brown added to the lead with a well-placed shot assisted by Werner and Kumlin, pushing the score to 7–2. Henry Nelson capped the scoring at 2:41, finishing a feed from his brother Danny Nelson

and Knuble to close out the 8–2 victory.

By the final horn, Notre Dame had taken full command statistically and on the scoreboard. The Irish finished with eight goals on 47 shots, while limiting St. Lawrence to just 21 shots on goal. The team blocked eight shots defensively and held the Saints to 0-for-4 on the power play.

Knuble led all scorers with two goals and one assist, while Werner and Kumlin each recorded three points. Danny Nelson added a goal and two assists and Henry Nelson contributed a goal and one assist from the blue line. The balanced attack saw 11 Notre Dame skaters record at least one point.

Goaltender Nicholas Kempf backstopped the win with 19 saves on 21 shots. After allowing two goals in the first eight minutes, Kempf shut down the Saints for the remainder of the game and settled the defensive structure. His steady play allowed the Irish to transition smoothly through the neutral zone and sustain offensive pressure.

Notre Dame’s defense limited St. Lawrence’s scoring chances and kept the Saints from generating any extended zone time. The Irish also held a 35–20 advantage in faceoffs, allowing them to control possession off nearly every draw. Discipline played a role as well, with Notre Dame committing just five minor penalties for a total of 10 minutes.

The home opener marked Notre Dame’s most complete performance of the young season. After road losses to start the year, the

Irish displayed improved chemistry across all lines and confidence on special teams. The offensive production highlighted the depth and efficiency of a roster blending experienced returners and emerging freshmen.

Kumlin’s performance from the blue line was especially impactful, combining defensive awareness with strong puck movement. Werner’s four-point night underscored the potential of the freshman class, while Knuble’s leadership on the top line set the tone offensively. The Nelson brothers combined for five points and anchored a defensive unit that smothered St. Lawrence in the final two periods.

The win extended Notre Dame’s

streak of home opener victories to four straight seasons. It also provided an early spark for a team with high expectations in a competitive schedule that features several nationally ranked opponents in the coming weeks.

Notre Dame improved its home record to 1–0–0 and will close out the weekend series against St. Lawrence on Saturday night at Compton Family Ice Arena. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. The Irish will look to carry their momentum into the second game and continue building consistency as they prepare for conference play later this month.

Contact Caloe Peretti at cperett2@nd.edu

Irish prepare to host No. 6 Pitt and No. 8 SMU

By Payton Dymek Sports Writer

Notre Dame is coming off a strong weekend of play, defeating Virginia and Virginia Tech, 3-0 and 3-1 respectively, pushing the Irish to 7-7 on the year and 4-2 in conference play. After their matches, sophomore outside hitter Morgan Gaerte continues to lead the team in kills with 222; however, junior outside hitter Sydney Helmers had a record-breaking game against the Hokies. For the secondstraight match she tied her career best of kills at 19. Helmers also registered six digs, three assists and three aces during that match. Currently, she’s sitting at 122 total kills on the season.

The middle blockers for Notre Dame, sophomores Anna Bjork and Grace Langer, are weapons to watch out for at the net as they climb to 51 and 60 kills. The hitters continue to be led by the tag-team of setters with

senior Harmony Sample and freshman Maya Baker who have 205 assists and 255 assists, respectively. They ride off pas ses from the back row led by freshman libero Maya Evens, who has 172. This weekend, Notre Dame faces very intense matchups against the No. 6 Pittsburgh and No. 8 SMU, both at home.

Pittsburgh

The Panthers are coming off a record-breaking season where they went 33-2, pushing them all the way to the NCAA National Semifinals, where they fell short to Louisville 3-1. This year, Pittsburgh is 13-3 overall and 5-1 in conference play, with losses to top teams No. 1 Nebraska, No. 16 Florida and No. 18 Miami. They also beat the reigning national champions Penn State.

Pittsburgh is led by junior outside hitter Olivia Babcock, who already has 285 kills on the year. Babcock was a threetime ACC player of the week

last season, AVCA National Player of the Year and a member of the preseason All-ACC team. This season, Babcock was EPSY Nominee for best college athlete in women’s sports and is on the AVCA National Player of the Year watchlist. Behind Babcock is junior outside hitter Blaire Bayless, who has 148 kills on the season and was on the preseason All-ACC team.

The Panthers’ offense is led by redshirt senior setter Brooke Mosher, an Illinois transfer who has 601 assists and has earned ACC Setter of the Week twice in her time at Pittsburgh. The back court is defended by Babcock with 135 digs, Mosher with 127 and redshirt senior libero Emery Dupes with 121. Dupes is a transfer from Florida State. Redshirt senior middle hitter Bre Kelley leads the defense at the net with 1.51 blocks per set, and she was already put on the AVCA National Player of the Year watchlist.

SMU

The Mustangs were a team to watch out for last season, delivering unexpected upsets to the No. 1 and No. 2 programs last year. This year, SMU is currently 12-4 on the season and 4-2 in conference play, with losses to No. 3 Kentucky, No. 14 Purdue and two losses to No. 5 Pittsburgh. SMU is led by sophomore outside hitter Jadyn Livings, who has 245 kills on the year since she transferred from USC, and she’s also worked hard this season to earn herself ACC Offensive Player of the Week and a spot on the AVCA National Player of the Year Watchlist. Aside from Livings, the Mustangs boast graduate student opposite hitter Malaya Jones who follows closely with 233 kills. Since her transfer from Colorado State she has earned accolades such as AVCA Division I Player of the Week, ACC Offensive Player of the Week and Preseason All-ACC Team, as well as a spot on the AVCA Preseason National Player of

the Year Watchlist.

The offense is led by senior setter Averi Carlson, who has the eighth most assists in all of Division I with 703. Carlson is four-time ACC Setter of the Week and was also on the preseason All-ACC Team. From the back line, senior libero Jordyn Schilling leads with 183 digs and has earned herself ACC Offensive Player of the Week and a spot on the AVCA National Player of the Year Watchlist. Defensively at the net, the Mustangs are led by sophomore middle hitter Favor Anyanwu, another transfer from USC, who has 93 total blocks. She was also on the Preseason All-ACC Team and a spot on the AVCA National Player of the Year Watch List.

The Irish will face off against Pittsburgh on Friday, Oct. 17 at 6:30 p.m. and then against SMU on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 1 p.m., both inside Purcell Pavilion.

Contact Payton Dymek at pdymek01@saintmarys.edu

ND VOLLEYBALL

GABRIELLA MARTIN | The Observer

The Irish celebrate during their massive 8-2 victory over St. Lawrence in their home opener at Compton Family Ice Arena on Oct. 16, 2025.

A powerful backfield duo: Love and Price

By Claire Watson Associate Sports Editor

The Notre Dame offense continues to be explosive for the Irish football team as they head into week seven of the 2025 college football season. One of their strong points revolves around the running back duo of juniors Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.

Sophomore quarterback CJ Carr, who has filled the shoes of former signal-caller Riley Leonard, has consistently commented on how important having Love is on offense. “It’s easy when you have Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price and the best O-line in the country,” he said. “It just takes all the pressure off my shoulders.”

Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock also commented on the importance of Love and Price saying, “Those guys understand there’s a lot of really talented football players in that room. It obviously starts with J Love and JD, the camaraderie that’s in that room, how they trust, love and respect each other. It’s not just coach speak. It’s real and you can see that by the way they play.”

Additionally, running backs coach Ja’Juan Seider has commented on his players, saying, “The sky’s the limit, we [are] still progressing … we

adapted and I think there’s a lot of room for growth.”

Jeremiyah Love

Continuing to break records, and occasionally defy the laws of gravity, Love proves his place on the field every week as he breaks through opposing defenses.

Love showed early on in his college career why he should be on the field. As a true freshman, Love only started one game but he played in 13 games overall for Notre Dame, finishing his season with 385 rushing yards, one touchdown and averaging 29.6 yards a game. Additionally, he had 77 receiving yards and one touchdown.

In his sophomore year, Love broke out on the national scene. He started all 16 games for the Irish and finished his season with 17 rushing touchdowns, 1,125 rushing yards, averaged 70.5 rushing yards per game, and added 237 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns.

The junior has made an explosive mark to start the 2025 season. So far over the course of six games, Love has 530 rushing yards, which is nearly half of what he finished with during his sophomore year. In addition to this, Love has eight rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns, which

have been spread out over the last few games. After being shut out against Miami, he scored twice in the home opener against Texas A&M, two more times against Purdue, four in the win at Arkansas, one against Boise State and two on NC State last week.

Additionally, Love surpassed 2,000 career rushing yards, which he achieved over a staggering 329 carries. He reached this milestone more quickly than any other Irish player since Josh Adams, the Irish running back who was on the team from 2015-2017, who achieved it in just 313 carries.

Love’s first touchdown of the NC State game came in the first quarter when Carr dumped it off to him in the flat before he rushed two yards to reach the touchdown and put the Irish ahead 7-0 at the 9:49 mark. His second touchdown of the game appeared at the very end of the fourth quarter and was the final touchdown of the day, securing the 36-7 win for the Irish. Overall for the NC State game, Love finished with two touchdowns, 86 rushing yards and averaged 4.8 yards per rush.

Jadarian Price

Like Love, Price entered Notre Dame and played all 13 games of his freshman season, but he was a medical redshirt

after not being able to compete in his first season due to an injury. Price finished 2023 in the Irish uniform with 272 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 65 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

In his sophomore season, Price played in all 16 games for the Irish and continued to make an impact as he rounded out the season with a high total of 746 rushing yards, averaging 46.6 rushing yards per game and finding the end zone seven times.

Price didn’t stop there. Now in his junior season, he has kept the momentum going from the previous year. Over the first six games of the season, Price has managed 422 rushing yards, seven rushing touchdowns, 35 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown.

In total over the past three seasons, Price has a total of 35 games played, 1,440 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, an average of 41.1 rushing yards per game, 110 total receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns and an average of 3.1 yards gained per reception.

Now the duo looks ahead to face USC with the support of each other, their coaches and their teammates.

Head coach Marcus Freeman said, “You know, I think our

offense continues to play well. Wasn’t perfect [against NC State] but had some good explosive plays.”

The offensive line has been key to helping Love and Price find their way down the field, and they play a key role in how the team works together to make that happen.

Junior offensive lineman Billy Schrauth spoke about the importance of working together at the line of scrimmage. “It always starts with communication,” he said. “That’ll always be the name of the game up front for us.”

Another important element for the duo is trust, not only in each other, but in their coaches. Freeman commented, “You earn the trust of your teammates and coaches in practice way before you’re doing it on the game field.”

Love also commented on the importance of staying together as a unit no matter what happens, and the mindset that they have when they take the field, adding, “We believe that, no matter who we are up against, we’re going to go out there and make plays.”

The Irish will host USC this Saturday, Oct. 18 for their second night game of the season, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.

Contact Claire Watson at cwatson7@nd.edu

Junior running back Jeremiyah Love breaks a tackle in Notre Dame’s 36-7 win over NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 11, 2025. Love is now up to 530 rushing yards and eight touchdowns with 5.3 yards per carry in the 2025 campaign after another stellar performance against the Wolfpack, where he carried it 18 times for 86 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Football beat picks: Notre Dame vs. USC

By Observer Sports Staff Football Beat

Noah Cahill

It’s easy to overlook one or two games. Three begins to feel like a trend. After allowing just over 30 points per game in their first three contests, the Irish defense has tightened up during their four-game win streak, giving up only two touchdowns while pitching three second-half shutouts against statistically strong offenses over the last three. USC, however, will be a different animal. Last season, quarterback Jayden Maiava lit up an Irish defense that was among the nation’s best. He comes into the game full of confidence after leading the Trojans to a dominant 31-13 victory over Michigan. But while Maiava and his talented receiving corps pose a real threat, I don’t see USC slowing Notre Dame’s offense, which has beaten teams on the ground and through the air in 2025.

As of now, Saturday night is the last scheduled game between these two historic rivals, and it serves as an elimination game for the Irish. Marcus Freeman’s teams get up for these primetime games in Notre Dame Stadium. No. 5 Clemson in 2022 and No. 10 USC in 2023 come to mind. Everything is still in front of this team. A win over their toughest remaining opponent could put Notre Dame back in the national headlines. I believe they will get it.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 42, USC: 27

on their schedule. Jayden Maiava has a first-round draft grade written all over him. He’s got the highest QBR in the country and has tossed 13 touchdowns to only two interceptions. Maiava also is slinging for a nation-leading 10.83 yards per passing attempt.

As for Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, he’s third in that statistic. Carr’s learning curve to the starting gig has been more like a fast-lane. He also has something Maiava doesn’t: the best backfield in the country. Sure, USC’s walkon King Miller lit it up against Michigan, but Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price will be two of the top three running backs off the board in April. Adding in a deep receiver room, the Irish offense is unreal. Starting center Ashton Craig’s injury hurts, but Notre Dame has a long-standing history of the next-man up mentality. As usual with Notre Dame, this one will be tight in the first half before Carr and company speed away.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 41, USC: 21

Ben Hicks

This notion that in mid-October, Southern Cal presents Notre Dame’s final opportunity to impress the College Football Playoff selection committee is pure pessimistic falsehood. Yes, the Trojans are good. And yes, they are certainly the biggest brand remaining on the Irish’s schedule. But Navy is also very likely going to enter South Bend unbeaten on Nov. 8, and a week later Pittsburgh should be 7-2 and toward the top of the ACC.

Now I also disagree with my fellow beat members who believe that Notre Dame will run away

with this game. The Trojans offense absolutely shredded the Irish secondary a year ago. We were one underthrow away from overtime in the Coliseum to decide Notre Dame’s CFP fate. Lincoln Riley has a much more complete team this season, one which is a last-second field goal defeat shy of 6-0. With all the ammunition spewed from coaches, administrators and media from both sides, tension and motivation will certainly be high.

Chris Ash’s defense has silenced doubters, myself included, over the past few weeks, but USC quarterback Jayden Maiava moves the ball about as efficiently as anyone in the country. On the contrary, Notre Dame’s offense has sputtered in the red zone recently, and they can’t afford to settle for field goals against USC. We may not get “Bush Push II,” but I see this game coming down to the waning minutes of the fourth quarter. Advantage: Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 31, USC: 28

Henry Lytle

USC arguably boasts one of the best passing offenses in the country. Jayden Maiava has been a superstar in the first six games behind a great offensive line and a fantastic set of weapons at receiver. Notre Dame will have to play its best coverage game of the season against receiver Makai Lemon and company to win this one. They also need to avoid the fourth quarter coverage lapses that they had against Texas A&M in week 3 and Ohio State a season ago. Chris Ash’s defense must rise to the challenge by getting pressure on USC and forcing

turnovers. They have done just that recently, forcing 11 takeaways in the last four games.

On the other side, the previously surging Irish offense has looked inconsistent in the red zone and is banged up with injuries. Despite this, I have faith in Mike Denbrock’s unit and the Irish receiving depth to be the difference in this game. Expect big plays from both offenses, plenty of scoring and a back and forth game at the start. I think the Irish pull away in the second half with some critical defensive stops and keep the foot on the gas in a season-defining game. I trust Marcus Freeman has helped this team improve significantly from the start of the season, and now they will have a chance to flex that against a top-five offense in the sport. I think Notre Dame earns a big ranked win to keep the playoff train rolling.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 38, USC: 28

Tyler Reidy

Early on this week, I was very confident in Notre Dame winning this one by at least multiple scores. Now, with the forecast worsening and the Irish losing a key piece up front in Gabriel Rubio, I’m envisioning a tighter game. Even though the Trojans are down two of their top three running backs, they still ran the ball at will with King Miller last week against Michigan. An effective USC run game come Saturday night would be a massive issue for Notre Dame. That said, this game will be won at the line of scrimmage. Head coach Marcus Freeman and linebacker Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa have echoed as much throughout

the week. And with their dualthreat backfield, I believe the Irish will be more likely to sustain a run game if the elements demand it. I’m also not as high as most are on USC’s air attack. Jayden Maiava can sling it with the best of them, but if Leonard Moore can take away his star No. 1 target, Makai Lemon, I’m not sold on Ja’Kobi Lane picking up the slack. Give me the Irish by a touchdown.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 31, USC: 24

Claire Watson

USC is going to pose a threat to Notre Dame’s run to the College Football Playoff this coming Saturday. The Trojans come into this game 5-1 on the season and just last weekend blew Michigan out of the water with a 31-13 win. With a dual-threat quarterback, they are no doubt another strong opponent that Notre Dame is going to face, but that should not be a worry as the Notre Dame team prepares to host them.

Despite USC’s strong offense, Notre Dame comes into the game with an upcoming and strong defense, which over the past two weeks has proved its place on the field. They have begun to get pressure in the backfield and they have shown that they have no thoughts about slowing down going into this game. Additionally, sophomore quarterback CJ Carr continues to utilize his offensive weapons which helps pull apart opposing defenses.

Overall, as the Notre Dame offense and defense work together, they should have a shot to win the game.

Prediction: Notre Dame: 45, USC: 21

Chris Dailey

The Trojans are far and away the best team Notre Dame has left

INDIA DOERR/KALLIE BELCHER | The Observer

Sophomore receiver KK Smith comes down with the catch in Notre Dame’s 36-7 victory over NC State at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 11, 2025. Smith had his best game of the 2025 season against the Wolfpack, hauling in three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, further highlighting the outstanding depth Notre Dame possesses at the wide receiver position.

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