#NDInsider Twitter Chatter: Notre Dame-USC

Twitter can be a fun (or depressing) and brutally honest (or unreasonable) place during Notre Dame football games. That's why we open up this space for the #NDInsider Twitter Chatter following games.

During the game, readers are encouraged to send their thoughts and observations with the #NDInsider hashtag to be considered for our postgame fan recap. They joined us with their 280-character takes during the game.

Most Irish fans were a understandably tense heading into Saturday's USC game with a 12-0 regular season and College Football Playoff spot on the line.

I’m ready for this, no really I am...#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/l8O5lSKBkC

— DOC (@DOCarroll1) November 25, 2018

It’s going to be a low-scoring game with a lot of points. - Desmond Howard, probably. #NDInsider

— One Foot Down (@OneFootDown) November 25, 2018

My stomach keeps getting tighter and tighter. ND should dominate usc, but they do have talent. #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Been waiting for this game all season and I’m ready. Let’s Go!!! Wooooo #NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/dnECFiBGQU

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

Rivalry games and speed is what scares the snot out of me right now. #GoIrish#BeatSC#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/oeqTyXAdc1

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

The game didn't start how Notre Dame hoped. USC marched right down the field to score on its first drive ending with a 14-yard touchdown run by Vavae Malepeai. The Trojans came out on fire and ended the first quarter with a 7-0 lead.

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— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Hey Notre Dame, game started #NDInsider#NDvsUSC

— Cocosnapslife (@cdn515) November 25, 2018

BK team comes out flat in big game yet again #NDInsider

— bsaran (@bpsaran) November 25, 2018

#NDInsiderhttps://t.co/2TMdGk8vMe

— John Quinn (@johnquinn83) November 25, 2018

Sad! No energy or leadership! How can they be flat for their rivalry game and with playoffs hanging in the balance! Getting housed. Need to turn it around now and we will see what team is really made of #NDInsider

— Thomas Walsh (@ThomasW60863413) November 25, 2018

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— dcirish (@dothedrew25) November 25, 2018

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— Mike Marchand (@irishmikecomedy) November 25, 2018

#NDInsider#lovemesomerickmoranispic.twitter.com/Q90bUvYvcl

— BJ Konkle (@BJKonkle) November 25, 2018

Was always worried about this game. SC still has some major recruits and talent despite the poor record and they are playing the biggest game of their season. #NDInsider

— Patrick Darlington (@PatDarlington) November 25, 2018

wondering if Notre Dame playing their d line a yard off of scrimmage is scheme or just chance. Definitely looks odd. #USCvsND#NDInsider

— Thad (@thadimusR) November 25, 2018

#NDInsider why is Van Gorder back? Jesus!

— Phil Rister (@ND_Phil) November 25, 2018

Shell shocked again #NDInsider

— Shane Wagoner (@shawags) November 25, 2018

#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/pZa7WvDOWS

— Kristi (@LoveMIIrish) November 25, 2018

Looks like tackling from National Championship game vs Alabama. Where’s the aggression? #NDInsider

— Justin Tammany (@jtammany) November 25, 2018

#NDInsider we are too cocky and over looked a talented team

— Peder Humlen (@Poder316) November 25, 2018

USC added to its lead with a field goal early in the second quarter. The Irish were struggling to find any offensive momentum outside of passes to running back Dexter Williams and wide receiver Chris Finke.

Stay w Dexter #NDInsider

— Dick Barone, CEO (@DickBaroneCEO) November 25, 2018

As brilliant as the play calling was last week on both sides of the ball, it’s equally as atrocious this week. #NDInsider#GoIrish#BeatSC

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

why are we so lethargic...a playoff berth is on the line...if you can't get hype and play your butt off for that then I don't know what to say smh #NDInsider#Notredame#NDvsUSC

— Cocosnapslife (@cdn515) November 25, 2018

Turning this game off. My kid's Disney movie has me more interested instead. #NDInsider

— PAUL (@Paul_Indy5680) November 25, 2018

@TJamesNDI USC looking like #3 team and ND looking lost. #NDInsider

— Greg Ritter (@ccsaints71) November 25, 2018

from what I've against this D, I'm thinking put Wimbush in. Thoughts? #GoIrish#BeatSC#NDInsider#NDFB#GoIrish

— Kristi (@LoveMIIrish) November 25, 2018

notre dame usc - USC bringing everyone up the middle - Brian Kelly “Run up the middle” #NDInsider

— the Butcher (@Leppycole) November 25, 2018

The Offensive line is costing us #NDInsider

— Michael L Murphy (@smurphdogg29) November 25, 2018

Stop running out of shotgun #NDInsider

— Dick Barone, CEO (@DickBaroneCEO) November 25, 2018

The Irish finally scored with 2:20 left in the first half. Finke, who had already caught seven passes for 86 yards, finished the drive with a spectacular 24-yard touchdown catch from quarterback Ian Book.

If the run game doesn’t work just keep going to Finke COME ON IRISH LETS DO THIS!!!! #NDInsider

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

Thank you Finke #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Needed that badly. Book to Finke. Huge 3rd down pick up from Book to keep drive alive. Irish D, over to you. #NDInsider

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

That Finke TD was reminiscent of Fullers against Virginia #NDinsider

— Jacob (@jacobkoselke) November 25, 2018

“I fear we have awakened a sleeping giant.”

- Japanese Imperial Emperor Yamamoto, 1941

- Clay Helton, 2018#NDInsider

— Tommy Baldwin (@T_Baldwin53) November 25, 2018

Chris Finke single handedly keeping #NotreDame in this game. #GoIrish#BeatSC#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/b9CD85xK2u

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

All credit goes to @rob_nugent’s son Leo for the lucky cheeseball drive. Turned it all around #NDInsider

— Matt Lozar (@matt_lozar) November 25, 2018

As bad as the first half went, Notre Dame only trailed 10-7. The Irish had a chance to erase the deficit on the final drive, but a Hail Mary attempt by Book was thrown short of the end zone. Wide receiver Miles Boykin caught the 38-yard pass, but he couldn't reach the goal line as time expired.

The Irish could have left themselves with more time on the clock by using all three timeouts, but the drive started with a sack on ND's own 13-yard line. Head coach Brian Kelly didn't use his first timeout until 10 seconds remained in the half with ND moving the ball to its own 40-yard line.

#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/7fCsd1Yc6P

— Troy Bowman (@troy_bow) November 25, 2018

Poor use of time outs by @NDFootball on that last drive results in us not getting points on last drive.

Hopefully come out of halftime and get a 1st drive TD and get this game going in the right direction #NDInsider

— Th3Bill (@Th3Bill) November 25, 2018

Waiting for ND fans to say we need to fire someone because our fan base is always like that #NDInsider

— no one you follow (@itsreal_mp3) November 25, 2018

No push, all Finke, soft D, down 3 #NDInsider

— Nick Eber ✈️⛳️ (@nicholaseber) November 25, 2018

I'm going to need someone who's more well-versed in football strategy then me to help me understand why Brian wouldn't take a timeout...I'm serious...you can't take them with you and if we had those precious seconds back we would've had another shot #NDInsider#NotreDame

— Cocosnapslife (@cdn515) November 25, 2018

@TJamesNDI playing like they just got done with a game on Thursday. Why won't Kelly put Book under center ?! Our run game will improve. And why no urgency at the end there ? #NDInsider

— Ryan Smith (@Ry_Smith17) November 25, 2018

Ian Book can’t throw the ball 55yds. Get the damn ball in the endzone. Play meant absolutely nothing. #NDInsider

— Chad Williams (@tool1934) November 25, 2018

Northwestern game was 7-7 at half too. Offense has figured a couple things out and D hasn't even played mediocre yet. ND takes the lead on the first drive and doesn't look back. #NDInsider

— Chris Scheiber (@scheib43) November 25, 2018

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— BJ Konkle (@BJKonkle) November 25, 2018

Full panic mode, all liquors #NDInsider

— Greg marshall (@Murse_Gaylord) November 25, 2018

Coaches have set the tone for this game. Playing not to lose on defense. Playing not to lose managing the clock on the last possession. Trust your team and cut it loose. #NDInsider

— Justin Tammany (@jtammany) November 25, 2018

Most painful half of football I’ve seen from ND. Hopefully we’ll have more life (and a secondary) in the 2nd half. #NDInsider

— Michael Klemann (@klemann_michael) November 25, 2018

Offensive line is costing us #NDInsider

— Michael L Murphy (@smurphdogg29) November 25, 2018

Appear to be playing not to lose. No aggressiveness by defense and typical Chip Long play calling. Better get it figured out during halftime or they won't have to worry about playoffs. #NDInsider

— Greg Ritter (@ccsaints71) November 25, 2018

Not matching USC’s emotion and losing both lines of scrimmage. Lucky it is this close. #GoIrish#NDInsider

— Dan Remenap (@dremenap) November 25, 2018

This doesn’t make me feel great...#GoIrish#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/gtDQHHAmuD

— Dan Remenap (@dremenap) November 25, 2018

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— Cyrus (@GrammercyRiffs) November 25, 2018

3-22 when trailing at the half. Yikes! Kelly looks composed, will see if his troops follow suit. #NDInsider

— yo murphy (@rofeal1) November 25, 2018

Quit talking sense here. What would have 7 extra seconds done? (Sarcasm font) I mean heck, having a timeout now at half gives a water break during the halftime adjustment talks, right? #NDInsider

— JM (@NDJeff06) November 25, 2018

#NDInsider Kelly’s clock management is atrocious! Cost the Irish a score. #smh

— H2OSon ⚾️ (@BaseballBeaver) November 25, 2018

Lucky to be down 3. You took their best punches - make your adjustments and finish this. #NDinsider

— Jimmy Grant (@IrishJimmy22) November 25, 2018

#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/4N7O145WcI

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

Unacceptable. Champions do not play like that. need to adjust. technically a high school seniors is having a field day on a supposed top 15 D. #NDInsider

— PAUL (@Paul_Indy5680) November 25, 2018

#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/ooFKLjUild

— Herman M. (@try2evolve) November 25, 2018

Notre Dame didn't trail long in the second half. Williams ripped off a 52-yard touchdown run less than five minutes into the third quarter. Kicker Justin Yoon later extended Notre Dame's lead to 17-10 with a 46-yard field goal late in the quarter. 

Dex just doing what he does best!!! #GoIrish#BeatSC#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/eXStNOD6l5

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

Thank you Dex #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Two phenomenal play designs right there. Awesome adjustments for the Irish! #NDInsider

— Matt Lozar (@matt_lozar) November 25, 2018

YASSSSSS thank you offense. Let’s keep this lead and coast straight into the CFP. #NDInsider

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

THERE WE GO!@DexterW_22 52 yards to the End Zone!

Touchdown @NDFootball

14-10 Irish!#NDInsider

— Th3Bill (@Th3Bill) November 25, 2018

KING DEX ...took a little longer for me to get to post that tonight lol #NDInsider#GOIRISH#NDvsUSC#firstweeat

— Cocosnapslife (@cdn515) November 25, 2018

I needed that! @DexterW_22 Now give me MOAR!!!!!!! #NDvsUSC#NDinsiderpic.twitter.com/3DlSg0jUCx

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

JT Daniels or....Giovanni Ribisi, aka the guy who tried to take Ted? @TJamesNDI#GoIrish#BEATTROJANS#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/i2Ertw2imp

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

Yoon, all time leader in points and FG made. I am thankful for Yoon. #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Nice time to break a record, Justin Yoon #NDvsUSC#NDInsider

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

Notre Dame led 17-10 heading into the final quarter. The Irish were 15 minutes away from an undefeated regular season.

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— Kevin Roorbach (@Smack4ND) November 25, 2018

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— Jeremy Overton (@OnEInTrOvErT) November 25, 2018

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— Brandon Beery (@NDominator) November 25, 2018

Nervous. Anxious. Stressed. #NDinsiderpic.twitter.com/8zDuTRhgPk

— Mary Jane Daum (@MaryJaneDaum) November 25, 2018

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— Nick Moore (@nickjmoore1) November 25, 2018

#ndinsider

— Jack H (@nabatean92) November 25, 2018

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— J{olly,ingle} (@0xKruzr) November 25, 2018

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— MichaelZimmerman (@_FunMike) November 25, 2018

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— BJ Konkle (@BJKonkle) November 25, 2018

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— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

Nervy game. ND with the momentum right now, but need another score for me to feel good about this. #NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/d3QWME0Csu

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

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— The Delusional Sports Fan (@Delusional_Fan7) November 25, 2018

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— Billy Beckman (@bigbeck9) November 25, 2018

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— Jacob (@jacobkoselke) November 25, 2018

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— K8 (@vkggdss_kt) November 25, 2018

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— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

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— Bobby Tincau (@BTincau) November 25, 2018

Notre Dame appeared set to extend its lead to two possessions until quarterback Ian Book threw an interception into the end zone on third-and-12 at the USC 22-yard line. That left the door open for USC, but Notre Dame's pass rush picked up the slack with sacks by defensive end Julian Okwara and defensive tackle Jerry Tillery on the ensuing drive.

Then on third-and-9, Book found running back Tony Jones Jr. wide open for a 51-yard touchdown catch and run to essentially end the game with 3:09 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Book. Why. WHYYYYYYY #NDInsider

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

What the hell was that throw, Ian?

What was that lack of effort by Mack?

And a promising drive that could have at least led to a FG and a 2 score lead becomes a turnover to energize the opponent.#NDInsider

— Th3Bill (@Th3Bill) November 25, 2018

That was a very poor decision to throw that ball. #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

This game has taken at least 10 years off of my life #NDvsUSC#NDInsider

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

Poor decision by Book there. Drive stalled but should have gotten 3 out of that. Right now it’s, survive and advance. Gotta get out of Southern Cal #uNDefeated#NDInsider

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

Sacks are a nice antidote #NDvsUSC#NDinsider

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

Sack Sack Dance! #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

The red headed bowling ball taking it to the house!!!!! #NDInsider#GoIrish#BeatSC#NDvsUSCpic.twitter.com/AZGquK3zAd

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

LETS GO LETS GO LETS GO #NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/aApPwfdmx0

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

Well Tony Jones Jr. just won Pod Of Gold’s punctuation mark of the week. #NDinsider cc @TJamesNDI

— JJH (@jjhiler) November 25, 2018

Boykin’s block though. ☘️ #GoIrish#NDinsider#NDvsUSC#NDIrish

— Mary Jane Daum (@MaryJaneDaum) November 25, 2018

I’m just a guy watching the game with my buddy @bradbialy in Niagara Falls and can feel the weight off my shoulders as Tony Jones ran that one in. Can’t imagine what that Irish sideline felt! #NDinsider

— Matt Lozar (@matt_lozar) November 25, 2018

What a friggen block from Miles Boykin downfield, just trucked that dude to make sure Jones got in the end zone, WRs that block are such an overlooked asset#GoIrish#NDvsUSC#NDInsider#BeatSC

— Section 312 Sports (@sect312sports) November 25, 2018

USC scored a touchdown late, but Notre Dame recovered the onside kick and took a knee three times to run out the clock and end its regular season with one last 24-17 victory.

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— Jude (@andrewwinn) November 25, 2018

Victory formation is my favorite formation. See you on the 29th! #NDinsider#BeatSCpic.twitter.com/bL1ogCXpml

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

ND is going to the playoffs. I don't know if you heard or not. Let me repeat myself, NOTRE DAME IS GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS. #NDInsider

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

#uNDefeated ....12-0!!!!!! What a season! Now the goal is to avoid Bama as possible. Great win! #Onward#GoIrish#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/gUedfZxF3B

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

12-0 is 12-0. Now let’s get the next one on December 29th!!! #NDinsider

— Bryan Sharpe (@irisharpe) November 25, 2018

#NDvsUSC#NDinsiderpic.twitter.com/QGRsJHiKUq

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

#PlayoffLikeaChampionToday#NDInsider

— Stephanie Winters (@stephie_winters) November 25, 2018

#NDvsUSC#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/DfuzVgjaV9

— Jason Rideout (@fuzzbucket43) November 25, 2018

wow I'm just sitting back soaking this in...my team is an undefeated 12-0 and we're going to be in the playoff for the first time...what a night #NDInsider#GOIRISH#NotreDame#NDvsUSC#whatatime

— Cocosnapslife (@cdn515) November 25, 2018

Living in Michigan and being an Irish fan this will be me walking into work Monday. #GoIrish#uNDefeated#MichiganSucks#NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/YhKuEaUmDl

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

Irish looked tired tonight. Long season but we are 12-0!!!! #NDInsider

— Scott McCleary (@snmccleary) November 25, 2018

Rivalry games are always tough. Irish survive (can’t say the same for @UMichFootball .) BOOK a ticket for Dec 29. Let’s go boys. #uNDefeated#NDInsider

— Nick Gonzalez (@nickg1421) November 25, 2018

Tonight, underperform. This season, over performed. Team showed guts this season with some ups and downs. Playoff Bound. #NDInsider

— Bryan Swint (@BryanSwint) November 25, 2018

That was stressful #NDInsiderpic.twitter.com/7GYKJDwQZl

— Caleb Hanson (@hansoncaleb) November 25, 2018

MANY more ups than downs. Now just avoid Bama as long as possible. #NDInsider#uNDefeated p pic.twitter.com/cG7PTaISxM

— Chris Buckley (@Toefer15) November 25, 2018

#NDinsider Chris Finke stepped up huge in first half and kept and in game. Defense was strong in second half and really stopped USC D. BOOK again making the big plays to help ND win #staNDup#BookIT

— Mike Mullen (@mullen_mike34) November 25, 2018

Way to keep composure and not give in. Past teams may have folded. #NDInsider

— PAUL (@Paul_Indy5680) November 25, 2018

Best team since the 1993 one. Need new special teams coach but hope we can hold on to all the rest. #NDinsider P.S. Getting tired of other team getting away with holding all game long. Pitt and SC were smart to do it knowing refs allow it.

— TheFlood (@TheFlood18) November 25, 2018

Allowing coordinators and assistants input allowed for the adjustments that gave the team a chance and the Team delivered, essentially set em up for success and let them participate ! Way to finish Team #NDInsider

— Michael L Murphy (@smurphdogg29) November 25, 2018

How long till we start hearing about @OhioStateFB “high powered” offense should be ranked above @NDFootball by beating @UMichFootball? #NDInsider

— Patrick Priest (@PatrickPriestAD) November 25, 2018