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USC (5-1) at Notre Dame (4-2)
- When: Oct 18 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, IN
- Where to watch: NBC
(20) USC vs (13) Notre Dame Preview & Prediction
Spread: Notre Dame -10.0
Moneyline: Notre Dame (-400)
Total: 59.5
USC Trojans Betting Outlook
The Trojans are riding high after a 31-13 statement win over Michigan, but Lincoln Riley knows there’s no time for victory laps in a season full of ranked showdowns. USC sits at 5-1 and now faces another national powerhouse in South Bend, a classic rivalry spot where momentum meets reality.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been everything the Trojans hoped for, throwing for 1,852 yards with 13 touchdowns against only two interceptions. His chemistry with wideout Makai Lemon has been electric, the duo torched Michigan’s secondary, and Lemon now sits at 682 yards and six scores through six games.
USC’s defense remains the wild card. While the offense is humming, the Trojans have given up big plays far too often, allowing opponents to hang around longer than expected. Against a Notre Dame team that thrives on balance and physicality, Riley’s group will need a cleaner performance up front and more discipline in coverage to stay within striking distance.
Trojans Player Prop Pick: Makai Lemon Over 89.5 Receiving Yards — he’s topped that mark in three of his last four games, and Notre Dame’s secondary hasn’t faced a deep threat of his caliber since Week 2.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Outlook
After a shaky start, the Fighting Irish are back on track, riding a four-game win streak into this rivalry clash. Notre Dame has rediscovered its defensive identity, surrendering just 27 points over its last three outings. Head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized a “get bloody” mindset, a physical, ground-and-pound brand of football aimed at breaking opponents’ wills.
Quarterback CJ Carr has looked sharp with 1,622 passing yards and 13 touchdowns, but the engine of this Irish offense is the two-headed rushing attack of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price. The pair has combined for over 950 yards and 15 touchdowns, giving Freeman’s squad the ability to control tempo and keep Maiava on the sidelines.
Notre Dame also brings a defensive front capable of rattling quarterbacks early. If they can get pressure without blitzing, USC could struggle to sustain drives. Expect the Irish to dictate the pace and lean on their physical advantage late in the game.
Fighting Irish Player Prop Pick: Jeremiyah Love Anytime Touchdown — the junior back has scored in five straight games and remains Notre Dame’s most consistent red-zone threat.
Expert Prediction & Betting Angle
Riley’s Trojans will come out firing, but Notre Dame’s defense and home-field edge should take over as the night wears on. Expect USC to land some big shots through the air, but the Irish’s ground game and discipline win out.
Final Score: Notre Dame 34, USC 27
Lean: USC +10.0
Total: Over 59.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
