USC at Notre Dame – College Football Predictions
The Game
Here we go !!
It’s another classic edition of Notre Dame vs USC on Saturday night and we know what channel our TV will be tuned into. Well, at least the main 90 inch one. This is the first time since 2009 that both teams have been ranked heading into battle and Notre Dame MUST know that the last time they beat a ranked USC team was back in 1995 (!). Both teams have just one loss and are both in contention for the playoff. A 2nd loss would be the END OF DAYS (more than likely) for either team. Strap it on, let’s goooooooooo !
The Details
NOTRE DAME -3.5 USC (66)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Notre Dame -4
Sagarin Ratings – Notre Dame -5
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Notre Dame 34.75 USC 31.25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Notre Dame 34 USC 30
The Match-Up
Notre Dame offense vs USC defense
The Irish have piled up 300+ rushing yards in 4 (!) games already this season and now get to face a banged up USC DL. QB B Wimbush has been an electric runner (8 TDs) whilst growing into the passing game (6-2 TD to INT ratio). The strength of the team is the excellent offensive line that is almost certainly one of the best in the FBS. RB J Adams is well on his way to a 1,000 yard season and the backfield is loaded with depth. The game plan will be to punish the Trojans’ front 7 with a relentless and deep rushing attack and hit some big plays in the passing game when the opportunity arises. Notre Dame has managed to outscore their opposition by 20+ in every game this season other than the one point loss to Georgia. USC has demonstrated a soft underbelly vs the run on many occasions and could be in for a long night.
USC offense vs Notre Dame defense
The Trojans have one of the most balanced offenses in college football and will be going up against a very solid defense. Notre Dame has not allowed more than 20 points all season and have been very opportunistic. QB Sam Darnold may not have Heisman numbers in 2017 (9 INT) but he is still lethal and more than capable of leading the Trojans to victory over any opponent. RB Ronald Jones has over 600 yards rushing at 6.3 yards a pop and #1 WR D Burnett is a handful. Notre Dame will have to create as many negative plays as possible and win third down. The biggest key ? Keep the defense fresh by controlling the clock with the run game.
MEGA-MAZING MINUTIA
If you believe in the value of being “FRESH” the Irish have that advantage in spades coming off a bye whilst the Trojans have had seven straight weeks of football including the latest meat grinder vs Utah.
Summary
We have to put our theory to the test yet again. It works out more often than not but we always look to back excellent running teams at a short price. We think the intangibles also favor the Irish and think they should win the turnover battle.
Official play
Notre Dame -3 -115 (sent 8:49 pm EST Oct 19)