USC holds everything but lead in messy loss to Notre Dame USC and interim Coach Ed Orgeron enjoyed a honeymoon of sorts after Lane Kiffin was fired, practicing and playing loose as they defeated Arizona and then prepared for Notre Dame. But on a chilly Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium there was mainly disappointment. Notre Dame defeated the Trojans, 14-10, ending USC's streak of five wins at the historic stadium. By the time the 85th meeting between the rivals was over, the Trojans were beat up and beaten down. All-American receiver Marqise Lee reinjured his left knee and spent the second half in a sweatsuit. Tight end Xavier Grimble needed assistance up the tunnel and freshman running back Justin Davis had to be carried by team personnel to the locker room. "That's just the way it goes," receiver Nelson Agholor said. We've just got to play harder. And smarter. USC was penalized 11 times for 95 yards, including multiple holding and false-start infractions that killed potential scoring drives that might have helped the Trojans remain unbeaten at Notre Dame since 2001. Instead, USC dropped to 4-3 - with Utah coming up next week. "It seemed that every time we had a first down or something like that, we had a holding call or jumped offsides," Orgeron said. We shot ourselves in the foot, and then it was second and 20. The Trojans outgained Notre Dame, 330-295, but neither team looked sharp on offense, especially in the second half. USC converted two third downs during a first-quarter scoring drive and then went 0 for 11 the rest of the way. Notre Dame wasn't much better - the Fighting Irish were four for 14 - but quarterback Tommy Rees passed for two touchdowns in the first half and that proved enough. The Fighting Irish improved to 5-2 by making a 14-10 halftime lead stand up. "Whether it's here or on the road, it's important to beat your rival," said Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly, who has defeated the Trojans three times in four years. Notre Dame defensive end Stephon Tuitt sacked USC quarterback Cody Kessler twice and also knocked down a pass. Lineman Louis Nix also brought pressure for a defensive front that seemed to unnerve the Trojans and force them into penalties. "We saw a great pass rush when we needed it," Kelly said. Kessler, coming off his most complete game against Arizona, completed 20 of 34 passes for 201 yards, with an interception. Tailback Silas Redd rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown, but penalties by offensive linemen stymied more threats.