Southern Cal Defeated By Irish 32-0
This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to November 26, 1949, when Notre Dame faced off against a determined Southern California team in a classic showdown. With the nation watching, Frank Leahy’s Fighting Irish delivered a powerful statement, proving their dominance on the gridiron with a decisive 32-0 victory. The game was more than just a win; it honored past legends, showcased emerging stars, and underscored why Notre Dame was—and still is—a force to be reckoned with in college football.
The below snippet is from the December 9th, 1949 issue of The Scholastic Magazine, containing the “Football Issue,” and was written by Vic Dorr
So. Cal Defeated 32-0
by Vic Dorr
Notre Dame, Ind., Nov. 26.—Playing the kind of football that makes them the greatest team in the nation, Frank Leahy’s Fighting Irish methodically punched out their ninth win of the season today—an impressive 32-0 triumph over a scrappy Southern California squad.
Frigid November winds kept 57,214 spectators shivering throughout the game, but the Irish heated up quickly as they slammed across two touchdowns in the first quarter, then cruised confidently to victory, adding scores in each period along the way.
This 21st game between the two schools saw the Trojans take their worst licking from Notre Dame; it saw ND honor the famed Four Horsemen team of 1924, and it saw the Irish extend their awesome string to 37 games without defeat. Besides that, it saw Ail-American Leon Hart switched from end to fullback with devastating effect on the men of Troy.
Twelve minutes of a chilled first quarter elapsed before Irish anti-freeze took effect. Then, with a third down on the Trojan 40-yard-line, Bob Williams fired a long pass to Hart, who calmly stepped across the goal line for the score. Oracko’s kick was good. The second Irish touchdown came so quick it must have made the Trojans dizzy. Ninety seconds after the kickoff, John Petitbon, ND’s fleet sophomore safety man, plucked one of Jimmy Powers’ passes from the sky and sprinted 43 yards down the sidelines for the score. USC’s Bill Jessup blocked Oracko’s kick, but Notre Dame had 13 points when the quarter ended.
Making his first appearance in the Irish backfield in the second quarter Hart added more power to a third touchdown drive. With the ball on USC’s 11 after a fumbled punt and a 19-yard jaunt by Billy Barrett, he lined up at fullback to the complete amazement of Trojans, fans and press alike. When the pile-up was untangled, Leon had plowed through to the four. Hart was again in the backfield on the very next play, but Williams handed off instead to Emil Sitko, who skirted his left end for the touchdown. Steve Oracko’s try for point was blocked again.
“Make mistakes against the average team, and you’re in trouble. Make mistakes against Notre Dame, and it’s suicide . . . even a perfect team couldn’t have turned back this great Irish squad.”—Braven Dyer, Los Angeles Times.
Soon after the third quarter opened the Irish scored once more. This time they launched a drive that carried 60 yards in 12 plays for the tally. The march included fancy gains by Bill Wightkin, Sitko, Hart and Larry Coutre. Finally Fran k Spaniel sliced off tackle for two yards and the score. Oracko’s placement try was wide.
A Williams to Barrett heave for 32 yards set up the final touchdown early in the fourth period. Hart, running again from fullback, powered the ball to the USC 15. Ernie Zalejski, displaying good speed and deception, made it to the six. Then Barrett churned over the goal line in two tries. Notre Dame wound up its scoring for the day as Oracko made his last kick good.
Coach Jeff Cravath’s Trojans fought a gallant game, but the outcome never was in doubt. The only serious threat US.C. could muster came in the third quarter when a 39-yard pass from Bill Powers to Don Stillwell placed the ball on the Irish 15. But ND held for downs and put a stop to it.
Southern California found their running futile against a superb Irish line. Fine defensive play by Hart, Jim Martin, Bob Lally, Jerry Groom, Paul Burns and Johnny Helwig kept Trojan runners a t bay all afternoon and USC rushing was limited to 17 sparse yards. Troy’s heralded Dean Schneider-Powers passing attack proved more formidable, however. Despite the bitter cold which obviously stiffened the fingers of all flankmen, Southern Cal completed 20 out of 36 tosses for 148 yards. Williams connected on seven of 23 for 112 yards.
But the Irish had power to spare ND’s hard-charging backfield amassed a total of 316 yards. The Pacific Coast boys put up a strong fight but never came close to matching Irish strength. This was a decisive victory for Notre Dame, the kind of victory that left little doubt about which team was the nation’s best.
The Fighting Irish realized this. They realized too that most of their greatness could be attributed to one man—Coach Frank Leahy.
In a game marked by bitter winds and fierce competition, the Fighting Irish’s strength and skill shone through, extending their unbeaten streak to 37 games. This victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard—it was a tribute to the rich legacy of Notre Dame football and the coaching brilliance of Frank Leahy. As we reflect on this historic triumph, we’re reminded of the resilience and excellence that continue to define the Fighting Irish today.
Cheers & GO IRISH! Beat SC!