The $399 million USC CU based in Los Angeles selected the Good Neighbors Campaign as its charity. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Good Neighbors had a goal to reach $2 million this year. Good Neighbors provides financial support to university-community partnerships involving collaboration between USC faculty and staff and local nonprofit organizations that have a visible, positive impact on neighborhoods surrounding the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.

Over in Indiana, the $466 million Notre Dame FCU based in Notre Dame fought for the Kelly Cares Foundation, a breast cancer awareness organization co-founded by University of Notre Dame Head Football Coach Brian Kelly and his wife, Paqui, who is a breast cancer survivor.

"No matter who wins, it's a positive outcome because both credit unions are helping community organizations in need of support," Gryp, a 1979 graduate of Notre Dame, said. "Our members and staff are proud to step up and help a good cause, and just like the Notre Dame USC football rivalry, we are here with a good attitude and focus about winning this year."

Last year, USC CU edged ahead of Notre Dame FCU with 50 more credit card applications and presented the prize to USC Troy Camp, which provides long-term mentorship for students in South Los Angeles.

Focusing on auto loans this year, each credit union took the challenge to their members and tracked the daily updates on a scoreboard.

The two credit unions also created a traveling trophy that celebrates the 85-year football rivalry. Named the "Tradition Never Graduates" trophy, it's displayed at the credit union of the school that won the latest gridiron contest. The trophy has been at Notre Dame FCU headquarters since the Fighting Irish enjoyed a 14-10 victory over the Trojans in last year's game.

Both credit unions ramped up social media efforts across all channels with #BeatUSC and #BeatND tags while making it easy for members to not only learn about the competition but also apply for an auto loan via a dedicated scoreboard microsite. USC CU, urging members to show the true meaning of "Fight On" with the incentive that they could even drive to the home game in their new car.

"The football rivalry goes deep and now we've started our own tradition with our friends at Notre Dame FCU," Perez said. "Our members and our staff really get very excited for this challenge. It's great to see what teamwork and a little bit of rivalry can do to help the community."

In the end, the $10,000 donation went to the Good Neighbors Campaign. The final loan application count was 419 for USC CU and 406 for Notre Dame FCU.  An added bonus was that the trophy also found a new home in Los Angeles as the Trojans beat the Fighting Irish on the football field as well, 49-14.

Both credit unions said they are looking forward to a rematch next year.