One of the top matchups in Week 8 sees a rivalry renewed as the No. 20 USC Trojans face the No. 13 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend.
The oddsmakers see this being a comfortable Irish victory, but the Trojans won’t go down without a fight.
See why I’m backing the Trojans with my USC vs. Notre Dame predictions and college football picks for Saturday, October 18.
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USC vs Notre Dame prediction
USC vs Notre Dame best bet: USC +9.5 (-110)
The oddsmakers see a Notre Dame Fighting Irish team that is 14-4 ATS in its last 18 games hosting a USC Trojans team that has struggled in road games on a night where there will be adverse weather conditions.
I see an inflated line in a rivalry game.
The USC Trojans have a deadly offense averaging 8.3 yards per play and ranking second in both EPA per play and success rate. On a rainy day, it helps to have an offensive line that is coming off a fantastic game in which it bullied Michigan’s defensive front.
The Trojans lead the nation in rushing success rate behind an OL ranking third in line yards and fifth in stuff rate.
Notre Dame will be without a starting offensive lineman (center Ashton Craig) and defensive lineman (Gabriel Rubio).
The Irish will likely have freshman nickel Dallas Golden, who has allowed 16 receptions on 21 targets (76.2%) this season, lined up against all-World slot receiver Makai Lemon (682 receiving yards, six touchdowns).
Advantage Trojans.
Oddsmakers are pushing this line further than is reasonable due to Notre Dame’s unparalleled success against the spread, so I’ll buy back and take the points.
USC vs Notre Dame same-game parlay
Here’s betting that the rain (89% chance throughout the contest) and wind (14 mph with gusts up to 29 mph) impact the game, especially the passing attacks.
After a slow start, Notre Dame’s defense has turned into the fearsome bunch of last year, allowing 27 points across its previous three games. The season-long metrics may not show it, but this Irish defense has the talent to be an elite unit.
USC vs Notre Dame SGP
- USC +9.5
- Under 61.5
- CJ Carr Under 285.5 passing yards
- Ja’Kobi Lane Under 53.5 receiving yards
Our deep-ball SGP: I'm Loving It!
The running back duo of Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price found success against USC last year, handling 25 carries for 210 yards and two scores.
USC ranks 104th in rushing success rate allowed on defense, and Love should see a heavy workload given the weather conditions.
USC vs Notre Dame SGP
- USC +9.5
- Under 61.5
- CJ Carr Under 285.5 passing yards
- Ja'Kobi Lane Under 53.5 receiving yards
- Jeremiyah Love Over 90.5 rushing yards
USC vs Notre Dame odds
- Spread: USC +10 (-110) | Notre Dame -10 (-110)
- Moneyline: USC +240 | Notre Dame -300
- Over/Under: Over 53.5 (-110) | Under 53.5 (-110)
USC vs Notre Dame trend to know
USC is 5-1 ATS in its last six games as an underdog. Find more college football betting trends for USC vs Notre Dame.
How to watch USC vs Notre Dame
| Location | Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IN |
| Date | Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | NBC |
USC vs Notre Dame latest injuries
USC vs Notre Dame weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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