USC Trojans at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Preview

One of the best rivalries in college football resumes on Saturday night when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the USC Trojans. This game usually features a pair of Top 25 teams on the field, but that isn’t the case this time around.

USC comes into this game with a record of just 3-3, and there have already been some major changes made to this program. The Trojans are coming off of their bye week, and that could come into play on Saturday night.

Notre Dame is 5-1 on the season, with the lone loss coming to a great Cincinnati team. The Fighting Irish picked up a win at Virginia Tech in their most recent game, and that should give them some momentum against USC.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are 6.5 point favorites over the USC Trojans on Saturday night.

Defense Needed For USC

USC is allowing over 27 points per game this season, and that unit has really been a problem in all three of the losses. The Trojans have had a tough time stopping the run, but that might not come into play as much in this matchup.

Quarterback Kedon Slovis continues to put up some big numbers for USC, but he has also thrown five interceptions on the year. Wide receiver Drake London has 832 receiving yards and five touchdowns on the year, and he will have the attention of the Fighting Irish.

The biggest issue for USC has been finding a way to bounce back when facing adversity. It will be interesting to see how the Trojans deal with a tough road environment on Saturday night.

Fighting Irish Struggling to Run

Notre Dame has played three different quarterbacks this season as they wait for someone to take over the job. While that has created some issues at times, the biggest problem for Notre Dame has been running the football.

The Fighting Irish are rushing for less than 100 yards per game, and they need to find some more balance on offense. Kyren Williams has the ability to rip off some big runs, but they don’t always establish the run.

The defense of Notre Dame will be tested, especially in the secondary. That unit should be able to dictate how this game is played if they can get pressure on Slovis.

Trojans Cover But Fall to Fighting Irish

USC has been blown out in all three of their losses this season, but they are going to find a way to keep this game close. The Trojans have not been a good defensive team, but the Fighting Irish have struggled at times on the offensive side of the ball.

Notre Dame can still get to a major bowl game this season, but they have to win the rest of their remaining games. Playing at home is going to provide a monster boost for Notre Dame as the crowd will be amped up for this rivalry matchup.

This should be another classic Notre Dame and USC matchup that will be decided in the final few minutes. Take the 6.5 points and bet on the USC Trojans to cover the spread, but it will be the Notre Dame Fighting Irish that pick up a win on Saturday night.

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