Published Oct 17, 1:05am ET by
Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Oct 17, 1:05am ET
Updated Oct 17, 11:25am ET
With a rich history in this matchup between USC and Notre Dame and the Jeweled Shillelagh on the line, the Irish want to keep control of the series and defend home field with authority. The game will be played at the Notre Dame Stadium, with the Irish leading the lifetime series 50-37-5.
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| NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH | -338 |
| USC TROJANS | +267 |
The USC Trojans are currently ranked 16th in the nation in rushing attacks and 3rd in offensive points per game at 45.5 points. However, they also permit 21.3 points from their rivals, ranking them at 49th in Defensive points per game. They'll need a solution since their running backs Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders are both on the injury list.
Sanders' injury is definitely a blow for USC as he was carted off the field against Michigan in their last game. On the other hand, Wayland will undergo surgery on his ankle and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Bryan Jackson will serve as USC's backup RB for the time being.
Notre Dame started the season 0-2 but has since turned the tables with 4 straight wins. Those sole losses though, were from a combined 4 points altogether against two top ranked teams. So, we can expect Notre Dame to be fully prepared to keep that Jeweled Shillelagh at home for another year.
The Fighting Irish will need to focus on their QB CJ Carr continuing his highly efficient offense. So far, he has thrown 13 TDs, only 3 INTs and a whopping 1,622 passing yards. On the other hand, on defense, USC needs to worry about Boubacar Traore, who has 20 tackles, 6 havoc plays and 5.5 sacks through his first 6 encounters this year.
The Fighting Irish have been on a tear since losing their first two outings, and don't seem to be stepping off the gas. Notre Dame is favored on the spread at 9.5, with an over/under of 61.5. USC will need to play at their best to stop their rival's offense and contend their defense.
Our prediction for this game is focused on the Fighting Irish covering the spread in a high scoring battle against USC. The Trojans might have a chance but its slim, especially on the road.
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Pick
Notre Dame -9.5
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