Notre Dame 's schedule was n't any more impressive than PSU 's -- the Irish did play USC .
The USC were the only regular - season opponent to win more than six games -- but the Notre Dame got the shot at Alabama and took advantage .
Notre Dame 's schedule was n't any more impressive than PSU 's -- the Irish did play USC , but the Trojans were the only regular - season opponent to win more than six games -- but the Irish got the shot at Alabama and took advantage .