Notre Dame introduced two new players to the mix in a 59-33 win over Air Force on Oct. 8, and coach Brian Kelly could use both of them more going forward.

Sophomore Andrew Hendrix was used as the Irish's change-of-pace quarterback against the Falcons, and freshman defensive end Chase Hounshell made his debut in the victory.

"I've been pleased," Kelly said Wednesday as his team gets ready to play USC on Saturday night. "Andrew has continued to grow. I think when you get that first taste of success, you want more. He's had some really good practices.

"Chase is a guy that is not afraid to mix it up. You don't know that he's a freshman, just his demeanor. He's a football player."

Hounshell had four tackles against Air Force.

Hendrix finished as the Irish's leading rusher against the Falcons thanks to a 78-yard run that boosted his total to 111 yards. He also completed all four of his pass attempts for 33 yards.

Kelly said Hendrix's play book will grow as the season progresses.

"We try to add as much as we believe he can handle," Kelly said. "We don't want to be the same when he's in there. We want you to defend all the versions of our offense. There will be great balance when he's in the game."