USC vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Caleb Williams Outshine Sam Hartman?
In College Football Week 7, The Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the USC Trojans. Will Caleb Williams outshine Sam Hartman on Saturday night? Jason Radowitz shares his USC vs. Notre Dame prediction, pick, and the latest odds.
Jason Radowitz - October 9, 2023, 9:31 AM EDT
7 minUSC vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Pick, Odds: Will Caleb Williams Outshine Sam Hartman?
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish lost their second game of the season in a road loss to Louisville. That was the first loss to an ACC team in 30 games.
Meanwhile, it took USC three overtimes to escape Arizona at home. The Trojans are still undefeated and ranked 10th in the nation after that win.
Now, Notre Dame and USC will play a heavyweight match on Saturday night. The Fighting Irish need to find more offense, while the Trojans need to figure out their defense.
Which team will get exposed on Saturday?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Saturday's AP-Top 25 ranked matchup between the USC Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
USC vs. Notre Dame Date, Start Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: October 14, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: NBC
USC vs. Notre Dame Odds
- Spread: USC +2.5 (-110), Notre Dame -2.5 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 62.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: USC (+115), Notre Dame (-135)
USC vs. Notre Dame Injury Report
USC
Questionable: WR Zachariah Branch (Undisclosed), DL Korey Foreman (Undisclosed), CB Domani Jackson (Head)
Out: WR Raleek Brown (Undisclosed)
Notre Dame
Questionable: S Thomas Harper (Undisclosed)
Out: TE Eli Raridon (Knee), DL Gabe Rubio (Knee), K Chris Salerno (Leg), KK Smith (Shoulder)
USC Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Prediction
Neither team can be happy after last week's performance.
The USC Trojans went to three overtimes, at home, against Arizona, while their defending Heisman winner had just one passing touchdown.
Meanwhile, Notre Dame lost a road game to Louisville, with Sam Hartman rarely making an impact for the Fighting Irish.
This is a matchup between highly regarded quarterbacks. But neither looked all that impressive last weekend.
Caleb Williams still has 22 touchdowns and one interception in six games. He's been fantastic despite that last game against Arizona. The offense has averaged 523.3 yards per game, with the run game earning 168.2 yards behind MarShawn Lloyd.
But the Trojans don't play complementary football.
The defense has allowed over 420 yards per game on offense, which USC can't do if they want to make the College Football Playoff.
On the other hand, Notre Dame has earned 437.9 yards per game. But they've run the ball more, which is questionable, knowing that Notre Dame brought in Sam Hartman to help the passing game out.
Hartman's performed at a worse level than when he was at Wake Forest. Sure, he's in a new pro-style system. But Notre Dame hasn't trusted him enough to let him sling the ball around.
He's been saved by Notre Dame's defense, which has allowed 279.4 yards per game. The secondary for the Fighting Irish has been elite. The run defense is also super dominant.
While USC has a more reliable passing game, Notre Dame's got the more trustworthy defense. Hartman and Williams both rarely throw interceptions.
At home, I'll back the Fighting Irish to sneak away with a win and a cover of -2.5.
USC Trojans vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Pick
- PICK: Notre Dame -2.5 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
Win a $50 Gift Card on College Football Saturday
Think you know what's going to happen in various games on College Football Saturday this week? Answer the pick questions below for your chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!
College Football Odds
