The USC Trojans are the last group that could stand in Notre Dame’s way of an undefeated regular season. However, Clay Helton’s team has hardly given onlookers reason to believe that it can pull off an upset of the No. 3 team in the country.
The USC Trojans have fallen short of all preseason expectations. Prior to this season beginning, many thought that USC was supposed to be competing for the Pac-12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff this year. Instead, it looks like USC will miss a bowl game and might even need a new head coach. The only way to avoid that fate for the Trojans would be for USC to upset the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
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This year, Notre Dame is chasing after a national title. The Fighting Irish have a disciplined defense and an effective offense and they’ve earned themselves an 11-0 record. Now, as Notre Dame is trekking across the country, the Irish have a shot to end the regular season with a perfect record and are hoping to lock up a spot in the College Football Playoffs.
Ian Book is the driving force behind Notre Dame’s offense and has transformed the Fighting Irish as he’s taken over the starting gig. The junior quarterback is completing 72.6 percent of his passes and has thrown for 17 touchdowns and 2,116 yards this year. He earned the starting job after the game against Vanderbilt and hasn’t looked back since then.
And, if USC wants to even make it into a bowl game, the Trojans are going to have to find a way to stop Book. That’ll certainly be a challenge for a defense that gives up 240 passing yards per game.
How to bet on and watch Notre Dame vs. USC
- Date: Saturday, Nov. 24
- Start Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Stadium: Memorial Stadium
- TV Info: ABC
- Odds: Notre Dame -11
- Live Stream: WatchESPN
Prediction: USC will need a miracle to actually take down the Fighting Irish. There’s a chance that Notre Dame might be challenged in this game, but it’ll be hard for Clay Helton’s team to take down the No. 3 team in the country. Brian Kelly has a great team and should lock up a spot in the playoff against their rival.
Score: Notre Dame 34, USC 14