#20 USC vs. #13 Notre Dame Picks and Predictions: Trojans Head to South Bend

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Jayden Maiava and the Trojans face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend - USC Notre Dame Picks

One of the oldest rivalries in all of college football happens this weekend in South Bend, as the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the No. 20 USC Trojans this Saturday. Marcus Freeman and Lincoln Riley lead their squads in a matchup that has been played nearly every year since 1926. But recently, it’s been a bit one sided. The Irish have won the last two meetings, six of the last seven, and 10/14 since 2010, although wins in 2012 and 2013 were vacated by Notre Dame. Regardless, let’s get into our expert picks for this matchup and see who wins the Jeweled Shillelagh.

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#20 USC Trojans vs. #13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish NCAA Football Insights

USC have a 5-1 record and have done their fair share of traveling already. After two cupcake wins at home, they flew to West Lafayette to beat Purdue (but didn’t cover), followed by heading back to LA to beat Michigan State (but didn’t cover), and finally back to Champaign, Illinois where they lost to the Illini in overtime. Finally, they went back to Los Angeles again and beat Michigan, finally covering against a tougher opponent. Now, once again, they are back to the Midwest to take on the Irish in South Bend.

Notre Dame lost their opening two games to Miami on the road and at home to Texas A&M. Every single week, those losses don’t look as bad, as both the Hurricanes and Aggies are undefeated and ranked in the top five of the country. The Irish have won four straight since those losses, covering three of four spreads as well (beat Boise by 21 as 22 point favorites). Can Freeman and his team come fired up into this rivalry game? I absolutely think so.

Matchup Information – USC vs. Notre Dame – October 18

  • Venue & Location: Notre Dame Stadium (South Bend, IN)
  • Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
  • Kick Off: 7:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: NBC

USC vs. Notre Dame Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of October 17, 2025 at 8:52 a.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • USC +9 (-102)
  • Notre Dame -9 (-118)

Moneyline

  • USC +263
  • Notre Dame -325

Total

  • Over 61.5 (-105)
  • Under 61.5 (-115)

Do not overthink this one. USC has flown over halfway across the country at least four times this season. They’ve gone back and forth plenty, they haven’t been great at covering spreads against Power Four teams, and this Notre Dame team is in a very dangerous position.

#20 USC vs. #13 Notre Dame NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Jeremiyah Love and the Irish need convincing wins the rest of the season - USC Notre Dame Picks

Jeremiyah Love and the Irish need convincing wins the rest of the season

USC vs. Notre Dame Prediction: Notre Dame Wins and Covers, Over 61.5

Best Bet: Notre Dame -9 (-118) BetOnline

Even though we missed out on the -7.5, I think the Irish absolutely obliterate the Trojans. USC’s defense is going to get exposed in this matchup on the road. The Trojans gave up 31 to Michigan State and 34 to Illinois. I’d argue that Notre Dame has a much better offense, and their defense has only improved all year long.

Since losing to Miami and Texas A&M and giving up 30 to Purdue, the Irish defense has allowed just 27 points in their last three games, only allowing three total touchdowns. This Notre Dame team is in the same position they were in last year, and we saw how that went.

The Irish lost early, then won out en route to the National Championship, although they lost. This year, they lost twice early, and know a third loss would end their hopes. Notre Dame needs to win out to even have a shot at the College Football Playoff this season, and you could argue they need to be decisive as well. This is their only chance at having a ranked win on their resume this season, and I see them taking full advantage and leaving no doubt.

Notre Dame is top 10 in points per game (40.8) and yards per play (7.2), while also ranking top 16 in third down conversions (49%). On defense, they are top 40 in both categories, allowing just 20.8 points per game and just 5.1 yards per play. Plus, they are top 25 in yards per carry allowed (3.4) and opponent completion percentage (57%). USC is in for a rude awakening against their toughest opponent of the season.

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