Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/30/2024 3:30 PM EST

We have your Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish hit the road to face the USC Trojans.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Notre Dame Fighting Irish -275 (BetMGM) / USC Trojans +230 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: 7.5 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish -112 (BetRivers) / USC Trojans -109 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 52.0 - Under -109 (BetRivers) / Over -112 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 11/30/2024
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV: CBS

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish, ranked No. 5 in the nation, are set to face off against the USC Trojans in a high-stakes matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. With a 10-1 record, the Fighting Irish are on the brink of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff, having won nine consecutive games since their surprising early-season loss to Northern Illinois. Their potent rushing attack, led by running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard, has been a cornerstone of their success, with the team amassing 37 rushing touchdowns this season, the most since 1991.

Notre Dame's defense, despite some injury concerns, remains formidable. Head coach Marcus Freeman has ruled out linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun, while defensive tackle Howard Cross III is questionable. Nevertheless, the Irish have consistently demonstrated their ability to dominate opponents, as evidenced by their recent 49-14 victory over Army.

On the other side, the USC Trojans, with a 6-5 record, have shown resilience in their first Big Ten season. Under the leadership of quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has revitalized the offense since taking over, the Trojans have won their last two games, including a crucial victory over UCLA to secure bowl eligibility. Despite their struggles earlier in the season, USC has been strong at home, boasting a 4-1 record at the Coliseum.

The Trojans' defense, under new coordinator D'Anton Lynn, has improved, but they face a daunting challenge against Notre Dame's balanced offensive attack. USC's ability to contain the Irish's ground game will be pivotal, as Notre Dame's offensive line is among the best they will face this season.

This storied rivalry, with Notre Dame leading the all-time series 51-37-5, promises to deliver another thrilling chapter. The stakes are clear: a win for Notre Dame virtually guarantees a playoff berth, while USC aims to play spoiler and end their season on a high note. As the teams prepare for this clash, all eyes will be on how the Trojans' defense handles the Irish's relentless rushing attack and whether Maiava can continue his impressive form against a stout Notre Dame defense.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish Moneyline

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are poised to secure a victory against the USC Trojans, and the case for backing them on the moneyline is compelling. Notre Dame enters this matchup with a 10-1 record, riding a nine-game winning streak that has seen them dominate opponents with an average margin of victory of 32.6 points. Their only blemish this season was a surprising loss to Northern Illinois, but since then, the Irish have been unstoppable, showcasing a potent rushing attack that has amassed 37 touchdowns, the most since 1991. This offensive prowess is led by the dynamic duo of running back Jeremiyah Love and quarterback Riley Leonard, both of whom have been instrumental in Notre Dame's success.

Defensively, Notre Dame has been equally impressive, despite some injury concerns. The absence of linebackers Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa and Bodie Kahoun, along with the questionable status of defensive tackle Howard Cross III, might seem like a setback, but the Irish have consistently demonstrated their depth and resilience. Their recent 49-14 dismantling of Army is a testament to their defensive capabilities, and they will be looking to replicate that performance against a USC team that has struggled offensively at times this season.

USC, on the other hand, has had an up-and-down season, currently sitting at 6-5. While they have shown improvement under quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has led them to two consecutive victories, the Trojans have not faced a team of Notre Dame's caliber during this stretch. Moreover, USC's defense, although improved under new coordinator D'Anton Lynn, will face a stern test against Notre Dame's balanced offensive attack. The Trojans' ability to contain the Irish's ground game will be crucial, but given Notre Dame's superior offensive line and rushing prowess, this seems a daunting task.

Historically, Notre Dame has had the upper hand in this rivalry, leading the all-time series 51-37-5. With a College Football Playoff berth on the line, the Fighting Irish are highly motivated to secure a win and potentially host a first-round playoff game. In contrast, USC is playing for pride and the chance to spoil Notre Dame's postseason aspirations. However, given the current form and strengths of both teams, Notre Dame is well-positioned to emerge victorious in this high-stakes encounter.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish at USC Trojans Top Player Prop Picks

Riley Leonard Over 1.5 Passing TDs +140 (bet365)

Riley Leonard has been a pivotal force in Notre Dame's offensive resurgence, leading the team to a nine-game winning streak. With the Fighting Irish's potent rushing attack drawing significant defensive attention, Leonard has ample opportunity to exploit USC's secondary, which has shown vulnerabilities throughout the season. The Trojans' defense, while improved, still ranks poorly in opponent completion percentage, providing Leonard with a favorable matchup to exceed 1.5 passing touchdowns. Given Notre Dame's balanced offensive approach and Leonard's dual-threat capability, the odds of +140 present a valuable opportunity for bettors.

Jayden Maiava Over 235.5 Passing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Jayden Maiava has injected new life into the USC offense, leading the Trojans to consecutive victories and showcasing his ability to push the ball downfield. Despite facing a formidable Notre Dame defense, Maiava's mobility and fearlessness in the passing game make him a strong candidate to surpass 235.5 passing yards. The Fighting Irish have been stout against the pass, but Maiava's recent performances suggest he can find success, especially with the Trojans likely needing to air it out to keep pace with Notre Dame's high-scoring offense. The even odds at -114 further enhance the appeal of this prop.

Woody Marks Over 77.5 Rushing Yards -114 (FanDuel)

Woody Marks has been a consistent performer for the Trojans, amassing over 1,100 rushing yards this season. As USC's primary offensive weapon, Marks will be crucial in establishing the ground game against a Notre Dame defense that, while strong, has some injury concerns. With the Trojans likely to lean on Marks to control the tempo and keep Notre Dame's offense off the field, he has a solid chance to exceed 77.5 rushing yards. The odds of -114 reflect a balanced risk, making this a compelling prop for those expecting a competitive ground battle.