Football

College Football Game of the Week: USC vs Notre Dame

By Justin Adams Oct 20, 2017
USC lining up against Notre Dame at the Los Angeles Coliseum in 2012. (Photo Courtesy: Scott Enyeart/Neon Tommy//CC License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode)

In a game that’s known as “The Greatest Intersectional Rivalry,” Southern California heads to South Bend to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. With both teams having one loss on their records, the loser of this game could be eliminated for College Football Playoff contention.

So with much at stake, who will take home the Jeweled Shillelagh in a game that dates back to 1926? Our picks including our upsets for the week.

Jason Romano: No. 13 Notre Dame 30 – No. 11 USC 21 – I like the Fighting Irish at home in primetime. I like Josh Adams to have a big game for Notre Dame.

UPSET: Navy 23 – No. 20 UCF 21 – Navy isn’t much of an underdog here playing at home, but UCF is one of just eight unbeaten teams remaining. I think Midshipmen take care of business at home and hand the Knights their first loss of the season.

Justin Adams: No. 13 Notre Dame 33 – No. 11 USC 30  – The last time Notre Dame played in primetime at home they lost to Georgia by one. This one will be different for the Fighting Irish. With a new commitment to the run game, Notre Dame is averaging over 300 yards per game on the ground. With several All-American candidates on the line opening holes for and tailback Josh Adams and quarterback Brandon Wimbush, Notre Dame grinds out a close victory on their home turf.

UPSET: Indiana 26 – No. 18 Michigan State 20 – Last week, Indiana was on the doorstep of upsetting Michigan at home before losing in overtime. This time the Hoosiers get over the hump on the road against Michigan State. Linebacker Tegray Scales and cornerback Rashard Fant will be the difference makers on defense.

Jon Ackerman: No. 13 Notre Dame 38 – No. 11 USC 30 – It seems like USC has just been squeaking out wins. That won’t continue in South Bend. The Fighting Irish are averaging 40.0 points a game.

UPSET: Texas 34 – No. 10 Oklahoma State 30 – Texas has been oh-so-close to pulling off a couple wins over ranked opponents, and I think they’ll finally do it against the Cowboys.

Also, see our NFL Game of the Week picks.

Last week’s picks:

Jason: Oklahoma 42 – Texas 24

Justin: Oklahoma 35 – Texas 31

Jon: Oklahoma 45 – Texas 30

Actual Result: Oklahoma 29 – Texas 24

Season Record: (Upsets Record in Parentheses) 

Jason: 3-5 (3-2)

Justin: 4-4 (1-4)

Jon: 2-5 (2-3)