National score predictions for USC - Notre Dame

The USC Trojans (6-5, 4-5) are around a touchdown underdog to the No. 5 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-1) heading into Saturday afternoon’s kickoff. The Irish have an opportunity to guarantee a first-round home playoff game while the Trojans could release some of the frustrations of a disappointing 2024 season with a win.

Here’s a roundup of the national media predictions for this game as Notre Dame is seen as a heavy favorite around the country.

On3: Notre Dame -6.5

“It is a likely outcome that Notre Dame just leans on USC in the second half and USC just breaks, and it becomes a 17-point game.” — Andy Staples

“I think that Notre Dame will cover this. I think that it won’t be easy. I think that they’ll probably win by seven to 10. But I like Notre Dame in the game.” – Ari Wasserman

Pro Football Focus: Notre Dame

Notre Dame 31, USC 20

“The Fighting Irish’s dominant run game leads them to victory while Notre Dame’s stingy defense holds Lincoln Riley’s Trojans in check. The Fighting Irish put the finishing touches on their playoff resume with an 11-1 record and will host a first-round playoff game.” — Max Chadwick

Notre Dame 28, USC 19

Notre Dame’s defense should be fine if it contains Woody Marks in the run game and makes open-field tackles on the outside. If the Fighting Irish force Maiava into making mistakes, they could run away with this win. – Dalton Wasserman

Josh Pate: USC

“Friends, I think we’re gonna see the outright upset. This is the one. That vibe Auburn had last week, I think USC is gonna end up having it. They find a way.” — Pate

The Sporting News: Notre Dame 31, USC 20

“Notre Dame can clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff here, and the Irish’s defense has dominated the last five weeks. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has shown progress in two starts, but the Irish defense is different. Notre Dame has a plus-13 turnover ratio in its last six games, and they have covered the spread in all of those games. USC is 4-1 S/U at home this season with an overtime loss against Penn State. The Irish’s running game will be the difference, and Jeremiyah Love – who has three 100-yards games the last four weeks – will be the star. The Trojans will make it interesting, but the Irish are a good road dog.” — Bill Bender

Bleacher Report: Notre Dame 35, USC 21

“Over the last two weeks, USC defeated Nebraska and UCLA to secure bowl eligibility. That’s a sigh of relief for the Trojans, who otherwise would have needed to upset Notre Dame for a sixth straight win. Considering how well ND’s defense has played recently — six straight games with no more than 14 points allowed — that would’ve been a risky proposition.” — David Kenyon

CBS Sports: One pick for USC

• Dennis Dodd: ND
• Tom Fornelli: ND (USC to cover)
• Chip Patterson: ND
• Shehan Jeyarajah: ND
• Jerry Palm: USC
• Brandon Marcello: ND
• Richard Johnson: ND

Source: Notre Dame vs. USC prediction, pick, spread, football game odds, where to watch, TV channel, live stream

USA TODAY Sports: One pick for USC

• Scooby Axson: ND
• Jordan Mendoza: ND
• Paul Myerberg: ND
• Erick Smith: ND
• Eddie Timanus: ND
• Dan Wolken: USC

Cameron Salerno: Notre Dame’s run game is the key to victory. The Fighting Irish have been on a tear since losing to NIU early in the season and the program is on the cusp of securing its third CFP appearance. Although USC has looked like a better team with Maiava at quarterback, the inability to win close games down the stretch has been an issue under Riley. The Trojans are one of six FBS teams to lead in the fourth quarter of every game this season. Notre Dame leaves no doubt about its status as a CFP team this weekend and covers the line on sports betting apps. Pick: Notre Dame -7.5

Source: College football Week 14 predictions with playoff implications and rivalries center stage

Athlon Sports: Notre Dame sweep

• Steven Lassan: ND
• Thomas Neumann: ND
• Kyle Wood: ND

Source: College Football Picks: Expert Predictions for Every Game in Week 14