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Pete Sampson

I told myself that I wouldn’t pick Notre Dame to win a one-score game until Notre Dame actually won a one-score game. But let’s forget all that. Because I think the Irish offensive line will be the best position group on the field Saturday night. And I think it has to be for Notre Dame to beat USC.

As good as the Irish defense has been to date, look for Sam Darnold to move the ball effectively and hit big plays. Notre Dame ranks in the Top 10 in 30-yard plays allowed (just seven in six games) but that will take a hit.

Maybe four or five hits.

And that’s where Notre Dame’s ground game must deliver. Look for Chip Long to make life easier on Brandon Wimbush than he did against Georgia. Look for the Notre Dame offensive line to beat up USC’s already beat up front. And look for Brian Kelly to win a one-score game

Notre Dame 35 USC 33

Tim O’Malley

After a summer of research I felt three things about this matchup:

-- The summer point spread of USC favored by 8.5 would not hold up

-- It would be a high-scoring affair, perhaps the highest of the season

-- And with Notre Dame post-bye, and with USC at the conclusion of an arduous seven games in seven Saturdays stretch, the Irish would be in a great, great spot to win.

I feel the same now, but also equipped with on field and film review evidence of the two teams rather than pre-season speculation. This pick isn’t based on a toss-up as I was against Georgia – the “if not now, when?” phenomenon for Notre Dame – I think the Irish are the better overall team, and the crux of that belief comes from the physical nature of Notre Dame’s offensive lin. It’s stubborn, oh-so-welcomed adherence to running the football and beating foes into submission.

I expect Brandon Wimbush to struggle in the passing game, especially on third-and-medium/long, where he’s converted just 9 of 26 such opportunities after dropping to pass. But I believe the junior will again make plays with his legs – as will the team’s bevy of ‘backs, wearing down the Trojans defense over four quarters.

Defensively, Notre Dame is equipped to slow but not stop Sam Darnold and the USC offense. Tackling in space will be crucial, so too will be the occasional one-on-one matchup downfield, but Mike Elko’s Irish group is well coached, sound fundamentally, and playing well as a unit.

(Red Zone field goal attempts are afoot for USC’s offense if previous tendencies of the teams come to fruition.)

If both teams play their best, Notre Dame will win. If both teams play close to it, Notre Dame will win. And for the first time in the Kelly Era, I think I know what I’m going to get from the offense.

Notre Dame 34 USC 27

This is a gut feeling call for me this week. I know that a game plan of pound the rock and wear down USC’s defense is a path to a Notre Dame victory. But my gut feeling is that this is the kind of game that will require Brandon Wimbush to win with his arm. Combine that with my lack of confidence in the wide receiver group that still has no clear go to guy.

It adds up to lack of confidence in the Notre Dame passing attack to be able to rise to the challenge. Let’s hope the pound a rock plan wins but if this game comes down to the arm of Wimbush then I have my doubts.

USC 27 Notre Dame 24

Tom Loy

Saturday’s matchup between the Fighting Irish and Trojans could be decided by looking at one factor: Notre Dame is excellent at running the football and USC isn’t great at stopping the run. After seeing what some ‘backs have done against USC’s defense this season, there is no reason to think that Josh Adams, Dexter Williams, depending on his health, Tony Jones Jr., Deon McIntosh, and even freshman CJ Holmes, if given the opportunity, won’t do the same thing.

The Trojans currently rank No. 61 nationally in rushing yards allowed per game at 146.7 through the first seven games of the season. Linebacker Porter Gustin and defensive tackle Josh Fatu are out. Defensive end Rasheem Green has been limited at practice. Defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu is lost for the season. The defense is missing some major talent and Notre Dame will look to expose that on the ground this Saturday.

Quarterback play could also play a big role in this game. Will we see the Brandon Wimbush, who completed 48-percent of his passes and didn't find the end zone through the air against Georgia, or will we see the Irish signal-caller, who went into Spartan Stadium, completed 70-percent of his passes, and managed the offense in a big, road victory?

For USC, will we see the Sam Darnold, who completed 51-percent of his passes and threw an interception in the loss at Washington State, or will we see the Heisman candidate that many expected, who threw for 358 touchdowns and three scores in a win over Utah last weekend?

In the end, Darnold has turned the ball over 16 times this season (nine interceptions, seven fumbles). If the Irish can force a few turnovers, capitalize on them, and run the ball at a high level, while getting solid play from Wimbush, they get the win. If USC forces Wimbush to throw the ball over 30 times and he struggles with accuracy, it could be a long day for Notre Dame. A strong showing from the Fighting Irish is expected this weekend

Notre Dame 41 USC 24

Kevin Sinclair

I've gone back and forth with this one all week. I've finally settled with a prediction. Notre Dame will win on Saturday for the following reasons:

- The Irish defense has done a great job of causing turnovers and one of USC's problem areas has been turning over the football to the opposing defense. I believe this game will be close and most close games come down to the turnover ratio.

- The USC defensive front is really good. But Notre Dame's offensive line and running backs are better. The Irish should be able to churn out nice yardage on the ground.

- My confidence in Mike Elko is sky high. With two weeks to prepare for USC, I like the odds that Elko has a quality game plan cooked up.

My areas of concern include USC's overall team speed and Brandon Wimbush’s ability to move the ball through the air, especially coming off of an injury.

Conclusion: For me, my list of positives for Notre Dame outweighs my concerns.

Notre Dame 27 USC 17

Len Clark (Multi Media Contributor)

There's nothing like a Notre Dame/USC game. For me, it's a game of emotion. As a youngster there was no greater excitement than watching the '73 battle that the Irish won behind an explosive 85 yard TD run by Eric Penick. I also experienced the opposite, thanks to USC Running Back Anthony Davis and don't get me started on that white horse.

History won’t have anything to do with the outcome of Saturday's game – but the intensity of the rivalry and knowing the winner may position themselves for a playoff spot, will.

The Irish need to improve, especially in the passing game. And who will emerge as a leader? That reminds to be seen and everyone will have a chance. The defense will face its biggest test of the year in USC QB Sam Darnold. Special teams will be a factor and the Irish will need that one big play to help set the tone.

Look for this to be a "broadcaster's dream" – one that goes down to the final seconds and I predict more peanuts will be sold than ice cream in the stadium, because peanuts are a tension food. A low-scoring affair is my prediction with the Irish pulling this one out.

Notre Dame 24 USC 21

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