(Notre Dame) — Notre Dame will go into Saturday’s top-20 showdown with archrival USC missing two of its defensive linemen.

Defensive tackle Gabe Rubio (elbow) and defensive end Loghan Thomas (concussion) will both be sidelined for the game with the Trojans. Rubio’s injury is particularly distressing for Irish fans, as he has been the team’s top run stuffer in 2025.

“We’ve had a committee at defensive tackle all year,” remarked Irish head coach Marcus Freeman in his Thursday zoom conference. “Everybody (in that group) has to step up a little bit more. The same thing with Loghan Thomas.  The value he brings more than anything on special teams i not something many people talk about.”

The Irish were already banged up on the offensive line, having lost center Ashton Craig for the season with an injured left knee.

“Joe Otting will be our starting center,” stated Freeman. “He’s had a great week of prep. There haven’t been any adjustments we’ve had to make. This will be his first time starting and there’s going to be some ups and downs. Cam Herron will be the backup this week.”

The 4-2 and 13th-ranked Irish will have their hands full with a 5-1 USC squad that ranks 20th in the nation, but #3 in scoring offense. Part of the reason is the quick release of quarterback Jaiden Maiava, who has connected on 73 percent of his passes and ranks fourth nationally in passing yards.  Maiava has been sacked just three times this season, due in part to his quick release.

“You’re not going to get many sacks when he gets the ball out of his hands that fast,” admits Freeman. “We have to not let him know what defense we’re in pre-snap. That’s how you get pressure and sacks, by making him hold the ball. We have to challenge him to read our defense. It’s a great challenge for us.”

Saturday’s game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff on NBC, but heavy rain and possible lightning are in the forecast, which could cause delays.

“You always got to be prepared,” said Freeman of the 90 percent chance of rain. “We know weather can affect game plans., can affect multiple different things. We’re aware, we have plans. We have to adapt and adjust.”