In the third quarter between Notre Dame and USC, referee Ron Cherry leaves the game after getting accidentally hit by USC linebacker Michael Hutchings. (1:46)

LOS ANGELES -- Referee Ron Cherry left No. 12 Southern California's game against Notre Dame after getting accidentally hit by a player late in the third quarter Saturday.

After the game -- a 45-27 USC win -- Trojans coach Clay Helton said that Cherry was taken to a hospital.

USC linebacker Michael Hutchings ran into Cherry behind the play after the Trojans sacked Irish quarterback DeShone Kizer on third down. Cherry dropped straight to the turf after his head made contact with Hutchings' helmet, and the official appeared to be out cold.

Medical personnel from both teams rushed to Cherry's side. The referee sat up after a few minutes and slowly walked to the locker room with help.

Cherry is a longtime Atlantic Coast Conference official. He is best known for his distinctive speaking voice and a viral call from a 2007 Maryland-North Carolina State game in which he described a penalty with the phrase: "He was giving him the business."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.