Week 8 of the 2025 college football season presents an exciting matchup under the lights at Notre Dame Stadium. The USC Trojans, ranked #20 in the AP Poll, travel to Indiana to challenge the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, who hold the #13 spot. The game will be broadcast on NBC at 7:30 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The USC Trojans enter this contest with a strong 5-1 record, showcasing a perfect 4-0 performance at home and a balanced 1-1 on the road. Their recent victory against Michigan Wolverines, winning 31-13, highlights their capability to dominate on both sides of the ball. With an AP ranking of #20 and a Coaches Poll ranking of #21, the Trojans are ready to take on another significant opponent. Notre Dame Fighting Irish hold a 4-2 record, with recent wins contributing to their #13 ranking in the AP Poll. They have been formidable at home, boasting a 3-1 record. Their most recent game saw them secure a 36-7 win over the NC State Wolfpack, displaying effective offensive and defensive strategies. With a favorable home advantage, Notre Dame aims to continue their winning momentum against a ranked opponent.
Notre Dame vs USC At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 7:30 PM
- Location: Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, IN
- TV Coverage: NBC
- USC Record: 5-1 overall, 1-1 on the road
- Notre Dame Record: 4-2 overall, 3-1 at home
- Betting Odds: Notre Dame favored by 9.5 points
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Prepare for Battle Against USC Trojans
USC Trojans Offensive Overview
USC Trojans have been known for their high-octane offense, consistently putting up impressive numbers on the scoreboard. Their passing attack has often been the focal point, with the team’s quarterbacks showcasing their ability to dissect defenses with precision.
The Trojans’ ground game provides a balanced attack that complements their aerial prowess. This dual-threat capability keeps defenses on their toes, making it challenging for opponents to predict their next move.
Defensive Performance of the Trojans
Defensively, the Trojans have had a mixed season, showing flashes of brilliance alongside occasional vulnerabilities. Their ability to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks through their defensive front remains a key asset.
Interceptions and turnovers have been pivotal for USC, often turning the tide of games in their favor. Maintaining discipline and minimizing penalties will be crucial as they face a strategic Notre Dame offense.
USC Trojans Key Players to Watch
USC’s quarterback is undoubtedly the linchpin of their offense, orchestrating plays and delivering crucial passes under pressure. His performance will be instrumental in steering the Trojans’ fortunes against the Fighting Irish.
The receiving corps of the Trojans, known for their speed and agility, will look to exploit any gaps in Notre Dame’s secondary. On the defensive side, standout players in the secondary aim to thwart Notre Dame’s passing game.
USC Trojans Recent Form and Strategy
In recent games, the Trojans have demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from setbacks and stringing together significant victories. Their ability to adapt mid-game and make necessary adjustments has been a hallmark of their strategy.
As they prepare to take on Notre Dame, USC will focus on capitalizing on their strengths while shoring up any weaknesses exposed in previous outings. The team’s preparation and execution will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this matchup.
USC Trojans Betting Trends
- USC is 5-0 against the spread in their last 5 games as an underdog.
- The total has gone over in 4 of USC’s last 6 games.
- USC is 6-1 straight up in their last 7 road games.
- USC has covered the spread in 4 of their last 5 games against Notre Dame.
USC Trojans Ready to Tackle Notre Dame Challenge
Quarterback Performance
The USC Trojans’ offense is spearheaded by quarterback Jayden Maiava, who has accumulated 1,852 passing yards, ranking him 3rd nationally. Maiava’s impressive 13 passing touchdowns and low interception count of just 2 indicate a potent and efficient passing attack.
Backup quarterback Husan Longstreet has seen limited action, contributing 103 passing yards over three games. His role remains secondary, yet provides depth to the Trojans’ quarterback room.
Running Game Dynamics
Waymond Jordan has led the Trojans’ ground game with 576 rushing yards, placing him 18th nationally. However, his recent ankle injury sidelines him until November, putting pressure on the backfield depth.
Eli Sanders, although sidelined with a knee injury, had been a crucial contributor with 264 rushing yards. His absence alongside Jordan’s puts additional responsibilities on players like King Miller, who has 310 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns this season.
Receivers and Targets
Makai Lemon stands out in the receiving corps, with 682 yards and 6 touchdowns, ranking him 2nd in receiving yards nationally. His presence provides a reliable target for Maiava in crucial situations.
Supporting receivers like Ja’Kobi Lane and Tanook Hines offer additional options, with Lane contributing 313 yards and 2 touchdowns. Their ability to stretch the field could be pivotal against Notre Dame’s defense.
Defensive Outlook
USC’s defense has recorded 20 sacks, placing them 6th nationally, a testament to their aggressive approach. The unit has also secured 8 interceptions, showcasing their ability to disrupt opposing offenses.
However, the Trojans rank 74th in points allowed, indicating a need to tighten up defensive efforts against the Fighting Irish. Effective containment of Notre Dame’s offensive threats will be crucial.
Injury Concerns
The Trojans face significant injury challenges, particularly in the running back position with Waymond Jordan and Eli Sanders both out. Additionally, injuries to key players like Prophet Brown and Bryan Jackson raise questions about the depth and resilience of the squad.
Managing these absences and adapting strategy will be essential for USC to sustain their performance against a tough opponent like Notre Dame.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: Last 26 Games → 20-6 (76.9%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 4 Games → 4-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 30 Games → 22-8 (73.3%)
- O/U – Home Games: Last 30 Games → 22-8 (73.3%)
Notre Dame vs USC Prediction: Notre Dame -9.5
Notre Dame enters this game as a solid favorite, set at -9.5, and has been impressive when playing at home, boasting an 18-3 record over their last 21 home games. Their recent performance against North Carolina State, where they won 36-7, indicates a strong defense and efficient offense. USC, on the other hand, has had a decent start to their season, but their road performance has been inconsistent with a 1-1 record.
USC’s offensive numbers are notable, ranking 3rd in points for and passing yards, but their defense has shown vulnerabilities, ranked 74th in points against. Notre Dame’s defense, ranked 71st in points against, should be able to keep USC’s offense in check. With Notre Dame’s strong track record as favorites, covering the spread seems likely.
Historically, Notre Dame has been successful against USC, covering the spread in their last encounter at home, winning 48-20. Given their superior ranking and recent form, Notre Dame is positioned to dominate this encounter. The Fighting Irish are poised to use their home advantage effectively against a competitive, yet faltering, USC squad.
Considering these factors, my pick is for Notre Dame to cover the spread with a projected final score of Notre Dame 35 – USC 24. This prediction aligns with Notre Dame’s trends and recent performances, making them a reliable choice to cover the -9.5 spread.
- Notre Dame vs USC Prediction: Notre Dame -9.5
- Notre Dame vs USC Score: Notre Dame 35 – USC 24
