LOS ANGELES – Adoree Jackson returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns and also caught a scoring pass to propel No. 12 Southern California to its eighth consecutive victory, 45-27 over Notre Dame on Saturday in the 88th edition of their rivalry.
Jackson, the Trojans' do-everything cornerback, put on a dazzling athletic display in perhaps his final home game while USC (9-3, No. 12 AP) persevered through rain at the Coliseum to claim the Jeweled Shillelagh for the 11th time in 15 years.
"That was probably the most fun game I've ever been a part of," Jackson said. "The crowd was loud, and we were having so much fun out there."
Sam Darnold also passed for 205 yards and two TDs, and Ronald Jones II rushed for 134 yards and an early score to keep the surging Trojans in line for a New Year's Day bowl berth.
Josh Adams rushed for 180 yards and DeShone Kizer passed for 220 yards and two scores for the Fighting Irish (4-8), who finished their worst season since 2007 with their largest margin of defeat this year.
With an unbeaten run through October and November, USC completed a perfect home schedule.
"I wish the September month would have been different, but it is what it is," USC coach Clay Helton said, noting his team's growth since then.
Jackson is expected to head to the NFL next year, but the junior put on one more exhibition at the Coliseum. USC fans chanted "One more year!" throughout the second half at a smiling Jackson, who has scored five touchdowns vs. Notre Dame in his career.
