The Notre Dame Fighting Irish find themselves in an advantageous position. Folks are talking National Title game for them, and it all looks good to go. First, they've got to take on USC, who have now been dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25, for the first time since the week leading up to last year's game against Notre Dame.

USC quarterback Matt Barkley is set to miss Saturday's game with a shoulder sprain, according to the Chicago Tribune. Coach Lane Kiffin announced the news Sunday night, which is huge for the Irish, who are looking to go undefeated.

Barkley was injured in the final minutes of USC's 38-28 loss at the Rose Bowl, after he was sacked by UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr. It's an injury to his right shoulder, and it will be the third game of his career that he will sit out due to an injury.

Redshirt freshman Max Wittek will start for the Trojans in place of Barkley.