Paul Finebaum, Jordan Rodgers make picks for USC at Notre Dame

Notre Dame will host USC in South Bend on Saturday, as their historic rivalry will be renewed. Entering the showdown, both programs are desperate for a statement victory, with another chapter being added to one of college football’s more fascinating matchups.

Ahead of the showdown, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum and Jordan Rodgers offered their predictions via the latest episode of Get Up. They’re split on which side will come out on top between the Fighting Irish and the Trojans.

“I am going with the Trojans,” Finebaum said. “And Greeny, you and I remember when this was maybe the defining game in the country every single year. It’s not that anymore, but it may be the most important game this weekend — because if Southern Cal can get this win, they’re in great shape for the playoffs.

“Conversely, Notre Dame cannot afford to lose. Remember, they’ve lost at Miami, they lost at home to Texas A&M, and they haven’t really beaten what I would call a really good team. Lincoln Riley’s brought this program back. Watch out — here come the Trojans.”

As Finebaum mentioned, his pick is rooted in his confidence in Riley’s ability to get USC back into national contention. The Trojans have been up and down since joining the Big Ten under his watch, but their recent win over Michigan showed signs of growth. Finebaum believes that momentum could carry over into South Bend, where a win would vault USC squarely into the College Football Playoff race.

However, Rodgers sees things differently. He believes Notre Dame’s balance and toughness will be too much for the Trojans to overcome.

“I like Notre Dame,” Rodgers countered. “Look, I think we kind of always, at some point in the season every year, get fooled by USC because they put up big numbers. And yes, Jayden Maiava is really, really good, but CJ Carr on the other side is playing some good football, and I don’t think enough people are noticing because everyone’s focused on Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. They run so well, but CJ Carr has been great pushing the ball downfield — 14 completions of 20-plus yards this year, that’s 11th in the country.

“Remember, this guy was making his first start in Week 1 and has had his highs and lows throughout the season, but this is a Notre Dame team that’s going to remind people that USC can look good on paper; they can put up big numbers, but it’s in the trenches where they’ve fallen short year after year. Notre Dame, with their backs against the wall, will be the more physical team — and I think they get it done.”

With Finebaum backing USC and Rodgers siding with Notre Dame, the two ESPN analysts reflect the divide in how this matchup is viewed. All told, it seems like it’ll be a clash of styles and one of the more interesting showdowns we’ll see all weekend.

When the Trojans and Irish collide under the lights in South Bend, one team’s College Football Playoff dreams will get a massive boost, while the other’s will take a serious hit. Kickoff is set for Saturday night in one of college football’s most storied rivalries, and only one team can come out on top.