Notre Dame-USC: Staff Predictions

By Chase Eyrich | Nov 28, 2014

In a season that Notre Dame fans have see taking a huge downward spiral, the Irish try to savage the season with one more win against the USC Trojans. If there is one way to end a season on a good note it would be beating these guys.

The story of the ND’s struggles this season has been turnovers and injuries on the defense. Of course last week the defense that seems to be full of Freshmen and Sophomores acquired a few more injuries. Good news for the Irish though, USC has been struggling with there running game recently. This means the Irish will hopefully be able to focus on applying pursuer on Cody Kessler, who’s thrown for 30 touch downs and only 4 interceptions. If USC can establish the run though, this could get ugly.

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In Notre Dame’s last 5 games, Everett Golson has thrown 9 interceptions. Not all of them were his fault of course but this is something the Irish must take care of because the will not want to fall behind early against this USC team.

Keys to victory for the Irish on defense lies on the shoulders of Jaylon Smith. If the Irish are looking to keep USC struggling with rushing the ball and want to pass rush Kessler, Smith is the man for the job. Also lets not forget, even as a sophomore Smith is one of the most experienced players left on this injury prone defense.

One thing the Irish offense must capitalize on this weekend is USC’s weak secondary. USC does not post a very strong defense and if Golson can take care of the ball he can exploit the secondary with ease.

Predictions – Notre Dame-USC:

Andrew Hall (Lead Editor): Notre Dame 28 – USC 34

Nicholas Blazek (Co-Editor): Notre Dame 30 – USC 27

Manuael DeJesus (Staff Writer): Notre Dame 27 – USC 31

Michael Shields (Staff Writer): Notre Dame 42 – USC 38

Chase Eyrich (Staff Writer): Notre Dame 34 – USC 30

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