One of college football’s most historic rivalries unfolds today as No. 13 Notre Dame welcomes No. 20 USC to Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. The match is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern and will be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock. This is the 96th meeting between the two teams, with the winner claiming the coveted Jeweled Shillelagh trophy. Notre Dame currently leads the all-time series with a record of 52 wins, 38 losses, and 5 ties.
Both teams enter this clash following impressive victories in their previous games. Notre Dame decisively defeated N.C. State 36-7, thanks to an outstanding performance from quarterback CJ Carr, who threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns. On the other hand, USC bounced back from a prior defeat to Illinois, securing a 31-13 win over Michigan. Running back King Miller played a pivotal role, rushing for 158 yards and a touchdown.
What to Expect from USC and Notre Dame
Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, the Trojans have showcased one of the most potent offenses in college football this season. They rank third nationally in scoring, averaging 45.5 points per game, and second in passing, with 325.8 yards per game. The 31 points scored against Michigan marked the lowest for USC this season, but their defense held the opposition to just 13 points, reflecting their overall capability.
Key players for USC include quarterback Jayden Maiava, who ranks third in the country for passing yards per game at 308.7 and boasts a remarkable quarterback rating of 185.65. The Trojans’ receiving corps features Makai Lemon, with 44 receptions for 682 yards and six touchdowns, alongside Ja’Kobi Lane, who has contributed 18 receptions for 313 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, safety Bishop Fitzgerald leads the team with five interceptions, tying him for the most in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Notre Dame, last season’s national runner-up, has rebounded strongly after an 0-2 start, with their losses coming against undefeated teams Miami and Texas A&M. Since then, the Fighting Irish have outscored their last four opponents by a combined total of 176-57. Their offensive performance ranks 14th in the nation, averaging 40.0 points per game, and their passing offense stands at 19th with 292.5 yards per game.
Star players for Notre Dame include redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr, who has thrown for 1,622 yards, 13 touchdowns, and only three interceptions this season. The receiving group is led by Jordan Faison, who has 29 receptions for 376 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, the running back duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price has combined for over 950 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. On defense, Boubacar Traore is tied for 10th in the country with 5.5 sacks.
How to Watch and Betting Odds
For those looking to watch the game, options include FuboTV, DIRECTV, Sling, and Peacock, all of which offer live streaming. Notably, FuboTV and DIRECTV provide free trial periods for new users, while Sling has promotional offers starting as low as $4.99.
As for betting, the latest odds indicate USC is the underdog with a spread of +9.5, while Notre Dame is favored at -9.5. The moneyline stands at USC +260 and Notre Dame -325, according to DraftKings.
Fans are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter between these two storied programs. As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on the field for a classic showdown steeped in tradition and rivalry.
