USC vs Notre Dame Odds - USC's speed too much for Notre Dame
The USC vs Notre Dame odds matchup renews the rivalry between the two schools, yet the game might not be as close as some people hope. USC has outgained Notre Dame 911-256 in the last two meetings, and while the Fighting Irish are equipped with a more experienced quarterback, online betting fans need to know that the Irish blue collar defense won’t hold up.
USC vs Notre Dame odds: USC -10
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USC vs Notre Dame odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1) are back in the BCS picture, even though they have a loss to Washington on their resume. The Trojans bounced back with a huge win over California on the road and are now rested off their bye week. The Trojans are road-tested this year with big wins at both Ohio State and Cal, and this game should be any tougher than either of those. For Notre Dame (4-1), they are in the Top 25 and also off a bye week. The Irish have played close games all year and are truly a couple of plays away from being 5-0, not to mention a couple of plays from being 1-4. Another close win over USC gives them credibility, but a loss here puts Charlie Weis back on the hot seat. Betting Edge: USC
USC vs Notre Dame odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Trojans offense may not be as explosive as Notre Dame, but it has more balance. The Trojans should find plenty of success on the ground with a road-grading offensive line and a stable of good running backs, led by Joe McKnight. The Irish defense has been gashed all year, and it should happen again on Saturday. With freshman Matt Barkley playing cool as a cucumber, the Trojans should have a very productive day on offense. The Irish offense may be without top-flight wideout Michael Floyd, but they still have a very potent passing game. Quarterback Jimmy Clausen is the most efficient passer in the nation right now and maybe even the best quarterback - but he has yet to play a defense like USC. Clausen will have to be on-point, but the play calling will have to be balanced. Betting Edge: Even
USC vs Notre Dame odds maker breakdown: Defense
NCAA football betting fans know that the defensive matchup greatly benefits USC in this contest. The Trojans haven’t allowed any of their first five opponents to reach 300 yards and is fourth in the nation in scoring defense (8.6 points per game). On top of that, they are the only team in the country yet to allow a passing touchdown. While that’s bound to change this weekend, they are still capable of limiting the Irish offense, which is all they need to do. Betting Edge: USC
USC vs Notre Dame odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Irish will be without stud wide receiver, Michael Floyd, which does limit their passing game in a contest like this. Golden Tate is on fire and tight end Kyle Rudolph is playing at a high level as well, but having Floyd in the lineup means that the Trojans would devote less attention to the other guys. Now the Trojans can key in on the other weapons. Betting Edge: USC
USC vs Notre Dame State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The sportsbook odds makers have the Irish as a big 10-point underdog at home, and that’s completely fair. The Irish have been squeaking by against teams like Purdue, Michigan State and Washington, but they have yet to see anyone with USC’s speed. This will definitely be evident as Pete Carroll gets another lopsided victory over Irish. TONY’S PICK: USC -10
For more sports betting picks and analysis, visit us in the betonline.com Betting Edge every day. For more on the USC vs Notre Dame matchup, check out our stats center. Tony Bryant is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
