Notre Dame football vs. USC Trojans: 3 bold predictions in Week 8
By Brad Weiss
![SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Braden Lenzy #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium on October 2, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 02: Braden Lenzy #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts during the game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Notre Dame Stadium on October 2, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/b51b0535f215959d5a3a65dac0e548d97051003d3f13c25cd780a532f9ce7dcf.jpg)
Notre Dame football vs. USC Trojans: 3 bold predictions in Week 8
Kyren Williams runs for 125-plus yards
It has been a tough season for running back Kyren Williams, who many draft scouts feel will be one of the first five running backs taken in the 2022 NFL Draft. This is a kid who can do it all, as he is a superb rusher, can catch out of the backfield, and is certainly not afraid to go up there and throw a block.
Due to the issues along the offensive line, Williams has not had the same season in terms of statistics as he did in his breakout season from a year ago and has yet to eclipse the 100-yard mark in a game. That changes on Saturday night, as the Irish’s revamped line will push back this Trojans’ defense, clearing lanes for Williams to look more like the back from a year ago.
Williams looked a lot better against Virginia Tech before the bye week, and that was because the Irish got strong play from the offensive line. He rushed for 81 yards in that one, and on Saturday night, I believe he not only gets over the 100-yard mark, but a long run pushes him over 125 yards, as he leads a potent Irish offense.