The No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) are gearing up to cement their College Football Playoff aspirations as they take on the USC Trojans (6-5, 4-5) this Saturday on CBS and Paramount+. Notre Dame enters the game riding a nine-game winning streak, but they are about to face a significant challenge from a USC team that has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks under new quarterback Jayden Maiava, who transferred from UNLV. Despite head coach Marcus Freeman confirming the absence of linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun, defensive tackle Howard Cross III is questionable with an ankle injury.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The Fighting Irish are favored by 7 points, with an over/under set at 53.5 total points. For fans interested in predictions and betting advice, SportsLine’s Projection Model simulates every FBS game 10,000 times and has been profitable for players following its top-rated college spread picks.
USC’s first season in the Big Ten has proven challenging; however, they maintain a winning record of 4-1 at home this season. The Trojans’ 7-4-0 against the spread (ATS) record indicates they have covered in three of their last four games. Maiava has emerged as a key player, throwing for four touchdowns over the last two games, including a strong performance in a recent 28-20 victory against Nebraska.
On the other hand, Notre Dame boasts a robust record of 10 wins and has achieved an impressive 9-1-0 ATS in 2024, with an average victory margin of 32.6 points. The Fighting Irish recently dominated Army with a convincing 49-14 scoreline, and quarterback Riley Leonard has been in excellent form, with an average of 11.4 yards per pass and a 76.9% completion rate against Army.
Both teams are expecting a competitive matchup, with SportsLine predicting a total of 58 points during the game. Fans and analysts alike are looking forward to seeing if Notre Dame can maintain its winning streak or if USC can capitalize on its recent momentum.
Overall, this matchup presents an exciting opportunity for both teams. Notre Dame aims to secure a coveted playoff spot, while USC looks to finish the season strong, showcasing their resilience and growth in the process. Each of these narratives adds an intriguing layer to what promises to be an exciting game for college football fans.