Joel Klatt shares prediction for USC vs. Notre Dame rivalry game in Week 8
By Derek Hryn
Published:
Joel Klatt sees a close one coming in Week 8 when USC heads to South Bend to face Notre Dame.
“I just don’t think Notre Dame is going to be able to run away from USC’s offense,” Klatt said on The Joel Klatt Show on Thursday. “This offense is too good. No. 1 yards per play offense in college football. So while I like ND to win this game, I think it’s a high-scoring, one score game which has been commonplace for USC. I think Notre Dame wins this one 37-30.”
And looking at the numbers, you can see why. Notre Dame is putting up 40.0 points per game, with CJ Carr throwing for 1,622 yards and 13 touchdowns and Jeremiyah Love adding 530 yards and eight TDs on the ground. The Irish have a top-10 turnover margin (+6), but their pass defense is shaky, giving up 245.3 yards per game (93rd nationally).
USC, meanwhile, is an offensive juggernaut. The Trojans average 552.3 yards and 45.5 points per game, with Jayden Maiava throwing for 1,852 yards.
With both teams capable of lighting up the scoreboard, this one figures to be a back-and-forth, edge-of-your-seat game. Fans can expect a thriller on Saturday night, as the Irish try to hold the Trojans’ high-powered attack.
