Notre Dame vs. USC Football Key Matchups, Game Prediction

By Patrick Leiva

Key Matchups, Prediction For Notre Dame vs. USC

Notre Dame Football — Notre Dame and USC enter Saturday’s matchup at the Coliseum looking to right the ship. The Fighting Irish will look to snap a three-game losing streak, while the Trojans are hoping to avoid losing to both of their rivals for the third consecutive year. Here are four key matchups and a prediction for tomorrow’s contest.

5. Nelson Agholor vs. Cole Luke

Nelson Agholor USC

5. Nelson Agholor vs. Cole Luke

Nelson Agholor USC — Agholor is a dynamic receiver who is likely NFL-bound after this season. He leads the Trojans with 85 receptions for 1,103 yards and 10 touchdowns, including back-to-back games with more than 200 yards receiving. Luke has been one of the few bright spots for the Irish defense and has turned into a true shutdown corner. He is tied for the team lead with four interceptions to go along with 40 tackles and 14 passes defended.

4. USC Offensive Line vs. Notre Dame Defensive Line

Jay Hayes Notre Dame

4. USC Offensive Line vs. Notre Dame Defensive Line

Jay Hayes Notre Dame copy — This matchup pits youth against youth. The USC offensive line was pushed around last week against UCLA and could be starting as many as three true freshmen on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Irish front has been decimated by injuries and will be missing their two best linemen in Jarron Jones and Sheldon Day. Notre Dame allowed 229 yards rushing a week ago and will need to control the Trojans’ rushing attack to have any shot.

3. Will Fuller vs. Adoree' Jackson

Will Fuller Notre Dame

3. Will Fuller vs. Adoree' Jackson

Will Fuller Notre Dame — Fuller has emerged as Everett Golson’s favorite target. The sophomore leads the Irish with 66 receptions for 962 yards and is second in the country with 14 receiving touchdowns. With two touchdown receptions against USC, Fuller would set a new single-season Irish record. Jackson, one of the most sought after recruits in the country a year ago, has had a solid freshman season with 40 tackles, four tackles-for-loss and eight passes defended.

2. Notre Dame Offensive Line vs. Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams USC

2. Notre Dame Offensive Line vs. Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams USC — The Notre Dame offensive line will need to be aware of Williams at all times. Williams, a potential All-American and top selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, causes havoc all across the line. He leads the Trojans with six sacks, to go along with 66 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss. The Irish will need to block Williams to open up rushing lanes and prevent him from pressuring Golson.

1. Prediction: USC 28, Notre Dame 24

Cody Kessler USC

1. Prediction: USC 28, Notre Dame 24

Cody Kessler USC — Both of these teams have had trouble closing out their opponents all season, so don’t be surprised if this one comes down to the wire as well. The Trojans have too much offensive firepower for the depleted Irish defense to contain, and Cody Kessler and Buck Allen will lead USC to a close victory over Notre Dame.

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Notre Dame Fighting Irish

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USC Trojans

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