No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-0) will face off in a pivotal game against the USC Trojans (7-4). Much like most of the Fighting Irish fans, coach Brian Kelly found hmself changing the channels back and forth between the Kansas State and Oregon matchups hoping to see one of them falter in order for Notre Dame to raise their chances at a BCS title game appearance.

However, when both of the top-tier programs fell, Kelly said that he didn't feel elated or satisfied, but more in control. Hence, the Fighting Irish now had the its destiny in their very own hands, well aware that a Saturday night victory over the Trojans (7-4) would cement them a spot in the BCS championship game.

"We get a chance to play for the national championship provided we win this week," Coach Kelly said to ESPN.

Surprisingly, it's actually been nearly 19 years since Notre Dame saw themselves ranked No. 1, which began after the Fighting Irish went down in a 41-39 upset to Boston College in 1993. The unexpected outcome occurred just one week after Notre Dame prevailed over the top-ranked Florida State to put themselves at No. 1 spot.

The Fighting Irish are currently sitting at the top of the NCAA football food chain as a unanimous No. 1 after improving to 11-0 for the first time since 1989, according to the Associated Press poll.

A week earlier, critics mocked Kelly for putting his team first in the coaches' poll. However, 55 of his 59 colleagues now currently agree with him.

"I was just being consistent with my rankings. I told our team that I felt like they were the best team in the country because I knew more about our team than the other two," he stated.

CLICK HERE to watch the Notre Dame Fighting Irish face off against the USC Trojans via free live stream. Coverage of the NCAA game is set to begin at 7 p.m. CST on Saturday, Nov.24.

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NCAA Football