Coach Lou Holtz's Notre Dame Fighting Irish got to 6-0 as they were ranked #1 in the country. The Irish had to face USC at home on October 21 in what turned into sloppy play by both sides. Notre Dame was able to overcome five turnovers to win 28-24, thanks to a fine effort from the defense led by linebacker Chris Zorich. The Irish were down 17-7 at halftime. Rice scored on touchdown runs of 7 and 15 yards and finished with 99 yards on 18 carries. He also threw for 91 yards off 5 of 16 passing attempts.