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USC Trojans vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview
The USC Trojans head to South Bend on Saturday for a marquee Top-25 matchup with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Trojans come in ranked No. 20 with a 5-1 record, while Notre Dame sits at No. 13 and has won four straight. Kickoff from Notre Dame Stadium is set for 7:30 PM ET on NBC, with playoff implications already in the air.
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Early Season Storylines
The Trojans are riding high after an impressive 31-13 win over Michigan last week, where quarterback Jayden Maiava threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns and running back King Miller added 158 rushing yards. Head coach Lincoln Riley praised his team’s focus after the win, saying, “When you play our schedule, there’s not much time to celebrate.”
USC’s offense has been lethal this season, ranking third nationally in total points (273) and third in passing yards (1,955). With Maiava’s poise and Makai Lemon’s explosiveness at receiver, the Trojans have proven they can score from anywhere on the field.
Notre Dame, meanwhile, has recovered from a slow start to win four consecutive games. The Fighting Irish defense, which gave up nearly 100 points in its first three contests, has surrendered just 27 points in its last three. Coach Marcus Freeman emphasized physicality this week, saying, “This game’s going to be about velocity. We’ve got to get bloody.”
Both teams know each other well — this will be their 95th meeting, with Notre Dame holding a 52-37-5 series advantage. The Irish won last year’s clash 49-35 behind dominant rushing from Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price.
Line Movement and Odds
According to the latest college football odds, Notre Dame opened as a -9.5 favorite, with the total set at 61.5 points. The Fighting Irish sit at -339 on the moneyline, while USC is +268 as the underdog.
Early action has leaned slightly toward USC to cover, as bettors expect another high-scoring affair. The total has remained steady as both offenses rank in the national top 20. For expert projections and live updates, visit the college football picks page.
Matchup Breakdown
USC Trojans Outlook
USC enters this game with one of the most efficient offenses in the country. Maiava has thrown for 1,852 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. Lemon, a future NFL prospect, continues to dominate with 44 receptions for 682 yards and six scores.
The Trojans’ offense is balanced, ranking top 20 nationally in both passing and rushing yards. Running back Waymond Jordan has 576 yards on the ground, helping USC average more than 450 total yards per game. Riley’s spread attack keeps defenses guessing with motion and tempo, and the offensive line has been solid despite several injuries.
Defensively, USC remains a work in progress, giving up explosive plays at times. Still, their ability to generate turnovers (10 takeaways) has masked some inconsistencies. The Trojans’ front seven will need to contain Notre Dame’s running backs to stay within striking distance.
For more data-driven previews and wagering advice, check the NCAAF expert betting guide.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Outlook
Notre Dame’s strength lies in balance and physicality. Quarterback CJ Carr has been sharp with 1,622 yards and 13 touchdowns while limiting mistakes. The Irish ground attack, led by Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, has combined for 952 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns, creating one of the most efficient red-zone offenses in college football.
On defense, Notre Dame ranks among the top 15 in sacks and interceptions, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks. Their 15 sacks and 11 picks through six games highlight a group built on aggression and sound fundamentals.
Wide receiver Jordan Faison and tight end Holden Staes provide reliable options in the passing game, complementing the run-heavy system. Freeman’s “outphysical” philosophy has paid off, especially at home, where the Irish have gone 18-3 straight-up in their last 21 games.
For updated team stats and injury reports, follow the college football odds page.
Key Edge
This matchup pits USC’s explosiveness against Notre Dame’s discipline and physicality. The Trojans can strike quickly, but the Irish thrive on grinding out drives and controlling possession. If Notre Dame’s defense can pressure Maiava and force mistakes, they’ll have the edge. Conversely, if USC starts fast and protects the football, an upset is within reach.
Betting Trends
Notre Dame has covered in 17 of its last 23 games overall and is 25-5 straight-up as a favorite. The Irish are also 10-2 against the spread following a win.
USC, meanwhile, is 4-0 against the spread following a loss and has gone over the total in 17 of its last 23 games after a win. These teams also tend to produce high-scoring matchups, with the over hitting in three of their last four meetings.
Best Bets and Prediction
This game should be close throughout. Notre Dame’s defense has improved dramatically, but USC’s offense remains too explosive to discount. Expect both quarterbacks to trade big plays as the tempo increases in the second half.
Projected Score: Notre Dame 34, USC 28
Best Bet: USC +9.5
Secondary Lean: Over 61.5
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