Staff Predictions for USC vs. Notre Dame

With a victory over rival UCLA last week, USC will look to end their regular season with a victory over their other rival when they host Notre Dame on Saturday. Here are our staff predictions:

Julian Lopez: 48-24 USC.

Trojans offense is too talented and I think ND is ready to get the season over with and start the off-season conversation about whether Kelly will be back or not.

Darrien Starling: USC 42 Notre Dame 17

The Trojans are riding high and I believe this is the wrong time for any team to oppose them. SC’s offense has been exhilarating and their defense has been treacherous in all facets. Notre Dame has an academic violation hanging above their heads, coupled with turmoil at the head coach position. I expect the Trojans to continue their win streak and make a statement for upcoming post season opponents.

Matthew Lowry: USC- 38 Notre Dame-24

USC comes into this game playing some pretty good and confident football. Their offense has been putting points up effectively and their defense has really done a pretty good job shutting teams down. Notre Dame on the other hand has really failed to live up to expectations. At 4-7 they’re playing for a possible outside shot at a Bowl game. Like I said last week, this is a rivalry game so anything can really happen here. I think Notre Dame will come out early and give the Trojans a game, however I see USC pulling away in the second half.

Steve Walter: USC 41 - Notre Dame 20

You want to embrace the history of this game, point to the long-standing rivalry and say that anything can happen. But here’s the reality: Notre Dame is not a very good football team. USC, on the other hand, is playing as well as anyone in the land. As long as the Trojans don’t start thinking about the Pac-12 scoreboard and the prospect of playing next week, this should be another runaway victory. No amount of lucky charms can save the Irish this year. Trojans by three Sam Darnold touchdowns.

Nick Dempsey: USC 45 - Notre Dame 21

I see this game playing out very similarly to USC vs. Cal or USC vs. Oregon. Notre Dame’s offense can put up points and they have an amazing quarterback in DeShone Kizer. Beyond Kizer though there really is not much else to get excited about for Notre Dame right now. Notre Dame has been able to keep all 7 of their losses close but this week may be the game that the dam finally breaks and all of the turmoil and misfortune for the Irish finally comes crashing down on them. USC is also playing better football than we have seen in a long, long time. I expect Notre Dame will get some good shots in but the Trojans will weather the storm and get the comfortable victory.

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