Notre Dame vs USC prediction & betting tips - Nov. 30 | College Football Week 14

The No. 5-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on the road to face the USC Trojans on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game can be seen on CBS.

Both teams are coming off wins as Notre Dame (10-1) won 49-14 over then-No. 19-ranked Army, while USC (6-5, 4-5 Big Ten) defeated UCLA 19-13 on the road.

Notre Dame vs USC: Preview

Notre Dame is a 7.5-point road favorite while the over/under is set at 51.5 points.

The Fighting Irish are firmly in a playoff spot and even if they lose, there is still a pathway for them to be in the playoffs. However, a win punches their ticket and could even get them the No. 5 seed.

Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman said that his team isn't overlooking anyone.

“It’s a very competitive, talented football team," Freeman said on Saturday, via SI. "It will truly be our biggest challenge to date. The noise and the things that are outside of this game have nothing to do with this game. That’s going to be a reason why it’s a challenge. But because of how good this team is, in terms of, in relation to its record.”

Notre Dame is led by Riley Leonard who has thrown for 1,937 yards, 14 touchdowns and four interceptions. Jeremiyah Love has rushed for 850 yards and 14 TDs, and Beaux Collins has 427 receiving yards and two TDs.

Defensively, the Fighting Irish are led by Xavier Watts' four interceptions, Rylie Mills' 6.5 sacks and Jack Kiser's 56 tackles.

Meanwhile, USC has won back-to-back games. The Trojans could hamper the Fighting Irish's playoff chances.

“I think it’s always an important game," Trojans coach Lincoln Riley said on Tuesday, via On3. "It’s a rivalry game. There is a lot of history behind it. It’s two great programs. It’s obviously another one that’s played in iconic places. I just think when you come here, the history behind this game is epic. It just is. Number one, I think it would be disrespectful to not be as ready as you possibly can be. Coaches, players, everybody."

USC is led by Jayden Maiava who has taken over as starting quarterback and has thrown for 546 yards, four TDs and one interception. Woody Marks has rushed for 1,100 yards and nine TDs, and Makai Lemon has caught 37 passes for 532 yards and three TDs.

On defense, the Trojans are led by Mason Cobb's two interceptions and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold's two interceptions, three sacks and 87 tackles.

Notre Dame has been playing great football and should be able to cruise to a big road win. Leonard and the offense are clicking while USC's offense has struggled at times.

Prediction: Notre Dame 31, USC 21

Notre Dame vs USC: Betting Tips

Tip 1: Notre Dame -7.5 (-108)

Tip 2: Over 51.5 points (-110)

Tip 3: Riley Leonard 200+ passing yards (-130)