Nobody has to remind Notre Dame’s players and head coach Charlie Weis what this Saturday means for the program. A win would serve as a stepping-stone for the school to get back among the nation’s elite. A blowout loss would send them spiraling backwards and might inevitably cost Weis his job.

“I said, Saturday night fellas, you’re going to be the lead story in the country, one way or another,” Weis said. “So which lead story do you want to be?”

Besides the fact that Charlie must not realize Oklahoma is also taking on Texas this weekend, his comments pinpoint the magnitude of Saturday’s game. This isn’t just another game for the Irish – it’s the game of the year.

The Trojans have beaten the Irish seven straight times. During that span, USC quarterbacks have averaged 323 passing yards and since October of 2002, the Trojans are 31-2 against ranked opponents.

Oh, and they also rank sixth in the nation in total defense.

But this is a different Notre Dame team, at least offensively. Jimmy Clausen ranks No. 1 in the country in passing efficiency and the Irish have the 10th best offense in college football. They’re averaging 470 yards per game and over 30 points per contest. Their ground game doesn’t get as much attention as their passing attack, but the Irish are averaging 148 rushing yards per game so they can beat you in a variety of ways.

The key for Notre Dame is how well it can protect Clausen. USC boasts several explosive pass rushers, including defensive end Everson Griffen and Nick Perry, although Perry is questionable with a knee injury. Can tackles Sam Young and Paul Duncan keep Clausen upright in order to keep the chains moving?

Also, USC hasn’t shown the same offensive explosion that it has over the years, but Notre Dame hasn’t played great defensively. Can the Irish force freshman quarterback Matt Barkley to make plays through the air or will the Trojans control the game on the ground?

While this contest might take a backseat to Oklahoma-Texas, this might be the most emotionally charged game on the college football schedule this weekend. USC has already dedicated the game to running back Stafon Johnson, who was injured a couple of weeks ago in a weight room accident. Throw in the fact that Notre Dame will be at home in front of a raucous crowd and you have the makings of what should be a thrilling game.

If I’m making a prediction, I think Notre Dame keeps things close but in the end, USC’s front seven will be too much for the Irish’s front five. Clausen hasn’t seen a pass rush the likes of what the Trojans brings to the table and I think USC will prevail in the end.

Prediction: USC 24, Notre Dame 17.