ISD Game Predictions: USC
It’s Friday again, and that means game prediction time for the last time during the regular season. The Irish bring their 11-0 record and playoff hopes to So. Cal and hope to leave with a trip to the college football playoff. The Trojans have played the spoiler role too many times. Do they have another upset special in store for Notre Dame?
Mike Frank
The Trojans have four major problems as I see it. 1. A quarterback with an image problem with some of his team. 2. a below average O-line. 3. They suddenly can’t stop the run. 4. They’re extremely undisciplined. Those are not good traits to have as a football team.
True, this team is definitely talented enough to beat ND. They could easily rise to the occasion and give ND quite the game. I don’t see it.
I expect the Trojans to come out with their chests pumped out and with lots of attitude. But, when Notre Dame punches them in the mouth, and they keep punching, will the Trojans quit? It should be an interesting storyline for the game.
I think ND beats them soundly, and the score will look closer than it was.
Notre Dame: 42 USC: 21
Jamie Uyeyama
In order for USC to win this game they need almost everything to go right. I know this is a rivalry game and they have talented athletes sprinkled throughout their roster, but I just don't see any area where they are better than Notre Dame. They have too many injuries and when it's been time to step up, they don't have enough guys who seem to care.
I think the Irish are going to dominate them up front, especially on defense. I'll be surprised if JT Daniels isn't hit a lot and doing his best to get rid of the ball to avoid it. They'll need to connect on big plays through the air to win and Notre Dame is one of the best teams in the country at preventing those kind of plays.
Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast knows how to dial up pressure, but they do not have any great pass rushers with Porter Gustin out for the year. Injuries have really hurt them all over their defense too.
They are undisciplined in many areas and that's a recipe for disaster against this Notre Dame team.
Notre Dame: 41 USC: 17
Christian McCollum
Talk about programs going in the opposite directions.
While the Trojans seem to have a little more space before hitting rock bottom, the Irish will be hoping to be two wins away from their apex after the latest edition of this rivalry.
Ian Book has been sharp pretty much all year and this game is no different as the Irish quarterback completes more than 70 percent of his passes for 300-plus yards and a pair of touchdown passes. Miles Boykin and Chase Claypool continue to provide steady play at wideout and each snags a scoring pass from Book. Meanwhile, Dexter Williams once again shows he's truly a dynamic back, breaking out for multiple explosive runs, including a long touchdown scamper.
The Trojan offense starts quickly, but after failing to capitalize on an early red-zone possession, USC fizzles.
This one is over by the third quarter although Irish fans enjoy every second of the fourth as their squad locks in its first-ever invitation to the College Football Playoff.
Notre Dame: 37 USC: 13
Matt Freeman
Man, I can’t believe it’s the end of the season already. Before the season, I thought this game could be huge if USC true freshman quarterback JT Daniels developed but fast forward 11 weeks and the Irish should roll easily.
Notre Dame will get two first quarter touchdowns on the board as Ian Book finds Chris Finke deep and then Dexter Williams runs in from 15 yards out on his way to the 1,000-yard mark. Book has a fine day against the USC defense as he goes 25-for-30 for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Khalid Kareem sacks Daniels twice and Julian Okwara gets pressure all night as the Irish rack up 5 sacks on the night.
Justin Yoon breaks the career field goal record with a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter.
Notre Dame: 45 USC: 13