USC’s Justin Davis wants to erase painful memory against Notre Dame

USC tailback Justin Davis is seeking to erase a painful memory on Saturday against Notre Dame.

The sophomore from Stockton suffered a season-ending broken ankle during the Trojans’ 14-10 loss last season at Notre Dame Stadium.

“I’ll remember that til the day I die,” Davis said.

Davis was one of several Trojans players who suffered injuries. Teammates had to carry him to the locker room after the game.

“I was mad,” Davis said, “because I guess Notre Dame didn’t have any carts.”

Davis had surgery and was sidelined during spring practice. He spent fall training camp trying to regain his form and his confidence.

This season he has rushed for 469 yards and three touchdowns. He also has caught two touchdown passes, including one in last week’s loss to UCLA.

At one time, Davis’ pass-catching skills were “a negative,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said.

Davis has 13 receptions for 92 yards.

“He worked on it through training camp and he’s continued to work on it all season long,” Sarkisian said. “And he’s catching the well out of the backfield.”

On Saturday he gets another shot the Fighting Irish. USC plays its intersectional rival at the Coliseum.

“It brings a lot more life in me to play Notre Dame,” he said of last season’s experience, adding, “I just want to erase that and have a great game.”