Notre Dame Football Predictions: USC vs. Notre Dame

Once again, Brian Kelly and the Notre Dame Football team have an opportunity to win a big time game.

Today, the Irish and Trojans meet for the  89th time in history under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium. This game is effectively a knockout game for the College Football Playoff. If the Trojans top the Irish, they have a smooth path to the Pac 12 championship and beyond. This game is one in many challenges that Notre Dame faces in the second half.

USC Offense vs. Notre Dame Defense

Simply, this is the best offense that the Irish have faced to date. It is possibly the best offense that Notre Dame faces all year. Sam Darnold is the main reason why.

The Trojans are scoring at least 27 points in all seven of their game. The Irish defense is only allowing 16.8 points per game allowed. Further, Notre Dame has only allowed at most 20 points. Today, the Irish probably allow more than 20 points for the first time this season. Keeping a player like Sam Darnold out of the end zone is close to impossible.

Can the Irish secondary matchup with the Trojans Wide Receivers? If they cannot, it will be up the Fighting Irish front seven to make up the difference. The USC Offensive Line has been beat up. Can the Irish Defensive Line take advantage and pressure on Darnold? If they can, they could force him into several mistakes that could be the difference in the game.

USC Defense vs. Notre Dame Offense

At some point this season, Brandon Wimbush make plays with his arm. Today is likely that point in the year. Wimbush needs to shake off the rust after not playing for since Sept. 30. He needs to hit passes deep to make defenses respect him. If he cannot, teams will continue to stack the box against the Irish.

Following the Georgia game, the Offensive Line wanted a chance to show that they could move the ball against a big time team. This is their chance. The USC Defensive Line is beat up. Notre Dame needs to control the game.

Bottom Line

Notre Dame has failed in this spot almost every time under Brian Kelly. Kelly needs to prove that he can win these games. Until then, a serious prediction in favor of the Irish cannot be made. With that being said, Notre Dame possesses more than enough ammo to pull off the victory. They simply need to prove it.