USC Trojans

Q&A With Noah and Chase: Notre Dame vs USC Predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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It’s finally rivalry weekend, and Notre Dame is set to play heated rivalry USC. Slap the Sign staff has set their predictions for this Week 14 matchup.

As a 17-point underdog, many people don’t believe Notre Dame will stay competitive in their game against the Trojans.

As one of the most disappointing teams in the FBS, Notre Dame is just hoping to end another teams College Football Playoff hopes and move on to the offseason. That may be difficult when they have to face one of the more premiere offenses in the top 25.

Before everyone sits down to watch this historic rivalry unfold, think of matchups, key players, and x factors that will make or break this game. Because you know, it’s the small victories that win football games. One big name having a good day can lead to either team walking away with the win.

If the Irish are hoping for one last victory in 2016, they’re going to need to rely on key players. Quarterback DeShone Kizer is going to have all eyes on him during what could be his last college game. How well he can lead this offense is what will win or lose this game.

On the defensive end, the Irish could be in trouble. USC has constructed one of the most high-powered offenses in the NCAA during the second-half of the season. If the Irish can’t slow them down, they could put up over 50 points in this game. Notre Dame can rely on Kizer to keep them in the game, but the defense will have to find a way to put the Irish on top.

1. Who wins the quarterback battle?

Noah – As a Notre Dame writer, I’d have to say I’ve watched more film on DeShone Kizer than I have any other quarterback in college football. That being said, Kizer is a future top 10 NFL draft pick. His mechanics are incredible, and he seems to be the only thing keeping the Irish alive each week. Sam Darnold should have one of the best games this season against Notre Dame’s atrocious secondary. But at the end of the day, Kizer is going to do everything he can to keep Notre Dame in this game. I’d have to say Kizer wins the quarterback battle.

Chase – DeShone Kizer is good, we all know that. He has an arm like a cannon and a spiral that will make you fall in love. His decision making at this stage in his career is impressive, and usually, when he misses, he misses well, putting the ball in a safe spot away from any defenders. This season has been different and has come with different obstacles, ones that could make Kizer not look as good as he is though. Miscommunications all over the place and I’ve never seen a team drop as many passes as the Irish this season. On the other end, Sam Darnold has USC fans enjoying their offense once again. Darnold is not as good as Kizer, but he doesn’t have to be. He’s got great chemistry with his teammates and trust them to make plays. Against UCLA Darnold connected with 11 different Trojans. Sam Darnold will have a hay day against Notre Dame’s secondary.

2. Can Notre Dame slow down Ronald Jones II?

Noah – USC has one of the most explosive running backs in college football. Notre Dame has one of the worst defenses in college football. I’d have to say Irish fans should be a little worried. Jones should be able to pull off a great game on the ground. It wouldn’t come as a surprise to see him surpass 100 yards on the day.

Chase – Ronald Jones II will bust loose. In the three of the last four games, he’s had a long run over 60 yards. We know Notre Dame’s defense is struggling this year, but I see more concerns in the secondary. The front seven will struggle to slow down Jones, but it will be on them to contain him as much as possible. Seeing how Notre Dame also struggles with open field tackles, Jones will have his was with the Irish.

3. How big of an impact would Torii Hunter Jr. be?

Noah – Although he’s not Notre Dame’s leading receiver, he’s still a big deal. Hunter keeps some eyes off of St. Brown. He’s not the dominant threat Notre Dame wanted him to be this season, but he’s still a reliable target for Kizer. If Hunter plays, he will definitely help that offense, and they’re going to need all the help they can get in this game.

Chase – If Torii Hunter Jr can play, the Irish need him. He’s an elite talent and Notre Dame will need all the points they can get in this one. His attributes are enough reason to know that he will be an impact, but just having another option on the field can create separation in USC’s secondary.

4. Who wins?

Noah – USC is a 17-point favorite in this game, and it’s understandable why. It’s unrealistic to say that Notre Dame is going to win. That doesn’t mean they can make it a close game. At the end of the day, the Irish’s defense is just too bad to stop the Trojans. If they were at least half decent I’d say they have a chance, but they don’t. Final score, I’m saying 35-21 USC.

Chase – There’s nothing better than rivalry week, except here. Two teams that hate each other facing off is fun, but not so much when one is playing pretty well and the other is having a horrid season. Of Notre Dames ridiculous seven losses, all of them have been decided by one score. This game will be closer than what most expect, but no matter how close, the Irish won’t be able to close. USC wins this 31-24.