Notre Dame football score predictions: USC vs. Fighting Irish national picks
Notre Dame and USC continue one of the greatest rivalries in college football in South Bend tonight (7:30 p.m. ET, NBC). While the No. 21 Fighting Irish (5-2) are a betting favorite over the No. 10 Trojans (6-0) per Las Vegas oddsmakers, most national pundits are predicting the visitors, led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, to get a victory for the second-straight year in the series. USC won 38-27 in Los Angeles a year ago.
Here are some national predictions from various outlets across the country.
The Sporting News: USC 37, Notre Dame 34
“The Irish are playing in their fourth straight prime-time game, and this is one more chance for Marcus Freeman to score a signature victory. USC is facing the same-old questions about a defense that has allowed 40-plus points each of the last two weeks. Caleb Williams had 257 total yards and four total TDs in last year’s 38-27 victory – and the key was the Trojans were +2 in turnover margin. This will be an instant classic, but somehow USC survives.”
Stewart Mandel of The Athletic: Trojans 38, Irish 34
“On the one hand, I’m certain defensively challenged USC is going to combust at some point. But I’m also concerned Notre Dame may be worn down after three consecutive tough primetime games (Ohio State, Duke and Louisville). Mostly, I don’t believe Sam Hartman and the Irish receivers can keep pace with Caleb Williams and company.”
Bruce Feldman of The Athletic: USC 34, Notre Dame 30
“Marcus Freeman’s team feels like it’s running on fumes after having emotional roller coaster rides vs. Ohio State and Duke and then getting mauled at Louisville. Arch-rival USC has not been impressive the past three times out, but right now I have more confidence in Caleb Williams leading his team to a late win than Sam Hartman. But if the conditions are sloppy, that feels like it plays into ND’s hands.”
Bleacher Report: Trojans 31, Irish 27
“Notre Dame’s offense has cooled off significantly since a torrid opening run against (mostly) low-level competition. Even as head coach Lincoln Riley attempts to quiet the concerns, USC’s defense is a vulnerable group. Given those two factors, it’s not shocking that ND is the betting favorite. But like everyone else so far, the Fighting Irish will fall short of containing Caleb Williams.”
USA Today
- Scooby Axson: Irish
- Jace Evans: Irish
- Paul Myerberg: Irish
- Erick Smith: Irish
- Eddie Timanus: Trojans
- Dan Wolken: Irish
Athlon Sports
- Steve Lassan: Trojans
- Joe Vitale: Trojans
- Luke Easterling: Irish
