As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish prepare to visit the USC Trojans, both teams are poised for a competitive encounter. Notre Dame’s offense, led by quarterback Sam Hartman, has been efficient, averaging 38.9 points per game. Hartman’s connection with wide receivers Jayden Thomas and Tobias Merriweather has been particularly productive, with both players leading the team in receptions and receiving yards. The Fighting Irish’s ground game, featuring running backs Audric Estimé and Jadarian Price, adds balance to their offensive attack. Defensively, Notre Dame has been formidable, allowing just 11.4 points per game, with linebacker JD Bertrand anchoring the unit.

On the other hand, USC’s offense, under quarterback Caleb Williams, has shown flashes of explosiveness, averaging 35.6 points per game. Wide receiver Mario Williams has emerged as a deep threat, contributing significantly to the passing game. However, the Trojans’ defense has been porous, surrendering 28.4 points per game, which could be a vulnerability against Notre Dame’s balanced offense. Special teams may also play a pivotal role, as both teams have experienced inconsistencies in this area. Overall, this matchup presents an opportunity for Notre Dame to solidify their standing in the College Football Playoff race, while USC aims to capitalize on their offensive strengths to challenge the Fighting Irish.