One of the most storied rivalries in sports kicks off this weekend when the USC Trojans take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. These two teams have been playing each other since the 1920s, with each dominating different stretches of the rivalry.
USC enters this rivalry game undefeated on the season despite three straight games of opponents keeping it close till late in the fourth quarter. The Trojans have allowed 41 points in both of their last two games against Colorado and Arizona.
Notre Dame lost stunningly last week to Louisville 33-20 to get their second loss of the season.
What Channel Airs the USC-Notre Dame Game?
USC @ Notre Dame
- Start Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- Channel:Â NBC
- Odds:Â Notre Dame -2.5
- Over/Under Total: 60.5
All eyes will be on USC quarterback Caleb Williams in this one. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and projected number-one pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has over 1,800 yards passing and 22 touchdowns with just one interception this season while tacking on six more touchdowns on the ground.
While Williams has shouldered the load for the Trojans’ offense, running back Marshawn Lloyd has also been stellar this season. Lloyd is third in the Pac-12 in rushing yards and has 13 rushes of 15 yards or more this season. His explosiveness and contact balance have been an excellent complement to Williams on the ground.
USC’s passing offense boasts plenty of talent, and they spread the ball around wonderfully. Nine Trojans have over ten targets this season, and seven of them have over a hundred yards receiving. While Brenden Rice, the son of Jerry Rice, leads the Trojans in targets and touchdowns, Tahj Washington, Mario Williams, and Dorian Singer all have multiple touchdowns on the season.
Notre Dame’s defense is coming off a rough showing against Louisville and will want redemption in this one. The Fighting Irish are anchored by an excellent defensive tackle duo in Howard Cross III and Rylie Mills. Cross is second among DTs in total pressures with 20, while Mills has 16 of his own this season. Notre Dame is fifth in the country in total pressures and will look to harass Williams all game.
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Notre Dame’s secondary has been excellent this season. Notre Dame is third in passing yards allowed per game and has given up just four passing touchdowns this season. The Fighting Irish allow just 4.1 yards per cover snap and have allowed just 50% of passes to be completed.
Cornerback Cam Hart has yet to allow a touchdown and has allowed less than a hundred yards this season despite playing over 300 snaps and second among all defensive backs for the Fighting Irish.
Against USC’s defense, Notre Dame’s offense will run the ball early and often. The Fighting Irish have built their identity on the ground-and-pound style of offense this season, and the Trojans have given little reason why that should change in this one. USC leads all Power Five teams in missed/broken tackle rate and routinely gets blown off the ball by opposing offensive lines.
Notre Dame’s offensive line is one of the best in the country. Led by Joe Alt, a likely top-10 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Notre Dame is road-grading teams this season. Audric Estime is one of the best backs in the country, and his physical style of play is why Notre Dame ranks third in yards after contact per Attempt this season.
Where this matchup goes depends on the throwing ability of Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman. Hartman has struggled in passing situations this season, and despite the excellent play of Notre Dame’s defense and surrounding talent, he’ll have to make plays to keep up with Caleb Williams.
Fortunately for Hartman, the USC Trojans have been less than stellar this season defending opposing quarterbacks. Only four Power Five teams have allowed more yards, and they are second in passing touchdowns allowed with 15. The Trojans have just four interceptions this season.
Safety Calen Bullock is a ballhawk, leading all safeties in pass breakups with five. He’ll face a tall task by keeping Notre Dame tight end Mitchell Evans, one of the best in college football, in check.
This game will come down to which defense can make the most plays. Can USC’s feast or famine defense create enough stops to keep Notre Dame off the field? Will Notre Dame contain Caleb Williams long enough for their offense to take control? This should be a fun rivalry clash.
