The No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) will face off against the USC Trojans (6-5, 4-5) in an important College Football Playoff matchup this Saturday. The game will take place at United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+. Notre Dame is currently on a nine-game winning streak, positioning themselves as strong contenders for a playoff spot. However, they will be challenged by USC, which is seeking to improve after a difficult first year in the Big Ten.
USC’s quarterback situation has shown signs of progress with Jayden Maiava, a transfer from UNLV, leading to better performances in recent games. Notre Dame, however, will be without key players: linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun have been ruled out, while starting defensive tackle Howard Cross III is considered questionable due to an ankle injury.
As of now, Notre Dame is a seven-point favorite and the total points predicted is 53.5. According to betting insights, Notre Dame has been performing exceptionally well against the spread, holding a strong record of 9-1-0 this season, boasting an impressive average victory margin of 32.6 points. The Fighting Irish recently showcased their dominance in a game against Army, winning 49-14.
For USC, their home field advantage and recent ability to cover the spread could work in their favor. Despite not having the season they hoped for, the Trojans have shown resilience with a 4-1 record at home and have covered the spread in three of their last four games. Maiava’s performance has significantly contributed to the team’s offense, including a standout game against Nebraska.
In summary, as Notre Dame continues to push for a playoff bid and USC aims for a rebound, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest. The Fighting Irish will be counted on to maintain their winning form, while the Trojans seek to capitalize on their recent improvements. Fans can look forward to an exciting game filled with high-stakes action.
For those interested in making betting predictions, SportsLine has revealed their model’s insights, indicating a projection of over 58 points total and suggesting one side of the spread hits in over 60% of simulations. This analysis by the model highlights the potential for a thrilling game ahead.
Overall, whether you’re rooting for the Fighting Irish to secure their playoff position or hoping for the Trojans to pull off an upset, this game is set to be a notable clash in the college football landscape.