The No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, boasting a record of 10-1, are gearing up to reinforce their College Football Playoff aspirations as they face off against the USC Trojans, who are sitting at 6-5, on Saturday. This matchup will be aired live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+. With Notre Dame riding a nine-game winning streak, they are in a prime position for a playoff bid, but they are about to encounter their most formidable opponent since their season opener against Texas A&M. Meanwhile, USC has had a challenging transition into the Big Ten but has shown signs of improvement in their last two outings, particularly with UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava at quarterback.
Notre Dame’s head coach, Marcus Freeman, has confirmed that linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun will not be playing, while the status of starting defensive tackle Howard Cross III remains uncertain due to an ankle injury.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at United Airlines Field at the LA Memorial Coliseum. The Fighting Irish enter the game as 7-point favorites, with an over/under set at 53.5 points. For those interested in betting, it’s advisable to consider predictions and insights from SportsLine, which specializes in advanced simulations.
Interestingly, while USC has struggled early this season, they’ve managed to maintain a winning record at home, posting a 4-1 record. They are 7-4 against the spread overall and have shown resilience by covering in three of their last four games. Maiava has distinguished himself recently, throwing for four touchdowns over his last two games, including a solid performance against Nebraska.
On the flip side, Notre Dame’s impressive record this season stands out as they have covered the spread in nine out of their ten games. They also recently showcased their strength by defeating Army 49-14. Quarterback Riley Leonard will be pivotal in maintaining this momentum as he has demonstrated excellence in passing efficiency.
In conclusion, as both teams prepare for this crucial showdown, fans can expect a fiercely contested battle. The predictions suggest a total of 58 combined points will be scored. This matchup not only impacts playoff implications but also serves as a testament to the resilience and talent of both programs.
As the Fighting Irish look to solidify their position, the excitement surrounding college football continues to build, reminding fans of the unpredictability and thrill of the sport. Whether you’re cheering for Notre Dame or USC, this game promises to deliver high-stakes action.