Last November, Notre Dame was dominated by USC in the final game of the regular season and finished the year 4-8.

What a difference a year makes.

11 months later, it was the 13th ranked Irish dominating the 11th ranked Trojans 49-14 at Notre Dame Stadium as the Irish improved to 6-1 on the season with a showing that captured the eyes of everyone.

"It's incredible--it's the best feeling I've had here in five years," Irish captain and offensive lineman Mike McGlinchey said. "To be able to do that to USC--it's our arch rival, it's our biggest game of the year every single year and especially what had happened in the year previously, this one feels damn good."

Josh Adams led the way for the Irish with 191 yards and three touchdown runs.

"I just had a lot of fun out there with those guys," Adams said. "I love each and every guy in that locker room."

The victory is the 5th straight for the Irish--all by 20 points or more--following a week two loss to #3 Georgia 20-19.

"We had redemption under the lights," said defensive lineman Daelin Hayes. "The last time we were at home under the lights we didn't get it done so this time we had to make a statement and we put a stamp on this one."

Indeed they did. A statement to the entire nation that this team deserves to be in the College Football Playoff conversation.

"We have all of the opportunities ahead of us that we started the season with even after that one loss," Irish quarterback Brandon Wimbush says.

"We want to be unique," Irish coach Brian Kelly said. "Unique means that this is not the crown jewel for us. We want more. This was a great victory. We're excited about the win and beating a very good USC team but our guys want to be unique and so there's more out there for them."

Notre Dame led 28-0 at halftime, scoring three first half touchdowns off three USC turnovers. The Irish have now scored 13 touchdowns off 17 forced turnovers this season.

The 49 points against USC was the most an Irish team has scored against the Trojans since scoring 49 in the 'green jersey' game in 1977. Fittingly, that '77 team was in the house Saturday night to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of their national championship.

Notre Dame still has a tough road ahead. They will play three more teams that are currently ranked in the top 25, starting with NC State next Saturday at 3:30 at Notre Dame Stadium.