Odds, predictions, best bets for Saturday’s rivalry game

Few FBS teams start the college football season 0-2 and remain in the national championship picture, let alone sit as the No. 8 betting favorite in mid-October. 

But that is where things stand with Notre Dame, which enters the weekend as a -155 favorite to make the playoffs.

The Fighting Irish lost close games to two teams that are currently ranked in the top five, so beating all other opponents would certainly justify a postseason berth. 

Notre Dame is a 9.5-point home favorite over USC on Saturday, with a total of 60.5 points. 

USC vs. Notre Dame odds, prediction

The 20th-ranked Trojans have one loss and also have their own national title aspirations.

They are coming off a convincing win over Michigan and bring an offense that ranks second in efficiency, which is unsurprising with head coach Lincoln Riley pulling the strings. 

Riley’s high-octane offense may pose problems for Notre Dame defensive coordinator, Chris Ash, who has come under fire this season after Notre Dame was scorched by Texas A&M and even allowed 30 points to Purdue. However, the Irish have settled things down and rank 29th in defensive efficiency. 

USC has split its two road games so far and is 0-2 against the spread (ATS).

The Trojans were also 1-4 against the spread last year on the road. But in those seven instances, they did cover the one time they were a road underdog. 

At first glance, this point spread feels too high, and I am inclined to back the Trojans. Their offense is explosive, and I also wouldn’t be shocked if they won the game outright.

Nevertheless, I believe the Irish will play with more urgency and desperation and that is the main reason I cannot pull the trigger on the underdog. 

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Betting on College Football?

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I also see a scenario in which Notre Dame mauls the Trojans’ run defense and steamrolls them in the second half, especially if weather becomes a factor and limits USC’s aerial attack.

Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price have combined for 952 rushing yards and 19 total touchdowns. 

I have a 70-56-2 ATS record in this Post sports section, but my favorite play is Notre Dame Over its team total of 34.5 points.

I can see either team winning and covering a high-scoring affair but can also see Notre Dame dominating, especially if they step on the gas for style points.

The pick: Notre Dame Over 34.5 points (-128, FanDuel)

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Why Trust New York Post Betting

Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He’s also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.