The No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, boasting a commendable 10-1 record, are set to assert their College Football Playoff ambitions as they take on the USC Trojans, who stand at 6-5, on Saturday afternoon. The game will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on Paramount+. Notre Dame is currently riding a nine-game winning streak and needs to maintain momentum as they face a significant challenge from USC, marking their toughest contest since their game against Texas A&M at the season’s start.
In contrast, this year has been a learning experience for USC in their inaugural Big Ten season, but there are signs of progress with quarterback Jayden Maiava, a transfer from UNLV, leading the team. Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, confirmed that key players Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun will not participate in the game, and starting defensive tackle Howard Cross III is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.
Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at the United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The Fighting Irish are favored by 7 points over the Trojans, while the point total is set at 53.5.
Backed by a sophisticated SportsLine Projection Model that has a history of successful betting advice, fans and bettors are keen to see the latest predictions for the matchup. The model simulates every NCAA game 10,000 times and has produced significant returns for followers, boasting a strong record this season.
USC has shown resilience, fighting its way to a 4-1 home record and performing well against the spread this season. Maiava has been instrumental in recent matches, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring over the last two games. However, he will be challenged by a tough Notre Dame defense, which will be without cornerback Benjamin Morrison for the remainder of the season.
On the other hand, Notre Dame’s impressive season includes a remarkable average margin of victory and strong performances from quarterback Riley Leonard, who has excelled with a high completion rate on the road.
The SportsLine model projects a total of 58 points and emphasizes that one side of the spread is likely to be a strong play based on simulation outcomes.
As the Fighting Irish and the Trojans prepare to clash, the excitement is palpable for college football fans. Both teams have their strengths, and this game will be pivotal for Notre Dame’s playoff hopes, while USC looks to finish the season on a high note. With critical implications on the line, this matchup promises to be thrilling.
In summary, this showdown not only serves as a battleground for postseason aspirations but also highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, where teams can surprise fans and reshape narratives with each game.