POLL #11 USC at #13 Notre Dame - who wins?

[iowajerms]

Saturday, October 21
7:30 pm EST
NBC

 

[Ojb81]

Notre Dame 36
USC 27

 

[Chewbaccer]

From what I've seen, Notre Dame should win at home. I doubt USC can manage turning Notre Dame Stadium into a pro USC crowd the way UGA did.

 

[Deep Creek]

From what I've read, USC has a lot of walking wounded that are playing. That said, teams like USC usually have true freshmen that are capable of playing right away...but it is in South Bend!

 

[8085sooner]

I don't see USC stopping ND running game. ND pulls away mid 3rd quarter and never looks back

 

[wazzu31]

I think $C wins this one 45-24

 

[TexasExes98]

ND 35
SC 24

 

[jjc2009]

If Fatu is out, our running game might have a chance. Our secondary will be challenged like never before, but if our front 7 can force Darnold into making mistakes like he's done all season, that's an advantage to us. I'm concerned if he has time to scan the field, he'll pick us apart.

 

[socaljim242]

If Fatu is out, our running game might have a chance. Our secondary will be challenged like never before, but if our front 7 can force Darnold into making mistakes like he's done all season, that's an advantage to us. I'm concerned if he has time to scan the field, he'll pick us apart.

Fatu is still day to day. Look for USC to try n stop the run and make ND pass. If I were ND Id go after Iman Marshall. He's talented and he's usually right on the receiver but he's still not learned to turn and look for the ball when the receiver goes for the ball. It's frustrating to watch. He's been doing that since he was a freshman and he's still doing it. So he's almost a sure thing on third and long ,it's either a catch or PI.

 

[jjc2009]

He's talented and he's usually right on the receiver but he's still not learned to turn and look for the ball when the receiver goes for the ball. It's frustrating to watch. He's been doing that since he was a freshman and he's still doing it. So he's almost a sure thing on third and long ,it's either a catch or PI.

You could replace Iman Marshall with Nick Watkins and we have the same exact problem. Watch the Miami of Ohio game. He was abused all game by their big receiver, even though he blanketed the guy.

I heard Fatu was definitely out, but that's interesting if he plays. (Actually if pro wrestling has taught me anything, those Samoans can handle bumps to the head).

 

[socaljim242]

You could replace Iman Marshall with Nick Watkins and we have the same exact problem. Watch the Miami of Ohio game. He was abused all game by their big receiver, even though he blanketed the guy.

I heard Fatu was definitely out, but that's interesting if he plays. (Actually if pro wrestling has taught me anything, those Samoans can handle bumps to the head).

If he doesn't then I think Brandon Pili will start and he's a load. 6' 4" 310 so i think the run defense wont be hurt. But it's one less guy on the depth if Fatu can't go at all. I'm hoping USC gets the TEs involved. If they do then USC is going to move the ball.

 

[jjc2009]

If he doesn't then I think Brandon Pili will start and he's a load. 6' 4" 310 so i think the run defense wont be hurt. But it's one less guy on the depth if Fatu can't go at all. I'm hoping USC gets the TEs involved. If they do then USC is going to move the ball.

Miami of Ohio started out attacking the seam with their TE's. ND adjusted and Martini (who probably won't be playing) had an INT. Now I'm not comparing any of their players to the talent level on SC, just to illustrate we were vulnerable to TE plays early, but adjusted.

 

[Across The Field]

I don't see this one being won through the air. I think whichever team establishes the ground game will win it. Both teams are loaded at RB, with Wimbush adding the athletic dynamic for the Irish. I think Notre Dame is too talented defensively for USC to let Darnold try and win it on his own. Carr and Jones have to both show up in a big way for USC to have a shot. In the end, though, I think USC's inconsistent play catches up with them and ND pulls away in the second half on the back of Wimbush and Adams totaling 300+ rushing yards and forcing Darnold into 3 INTs.

Notre Dame 34
USC 23

 

[TheRobotDevil]

Fatu is still day to day. Look for USC to try n stop the run and make ND pass. If I were ND Id go after Iman Marshall. He's talented and he's usually right on the receiver but he's still not learned to turn and look for the ball when the receiver goes for the ball. It's frustrating to watch. He's been doing that since he was a freshman and he's still doing it. So he's almost a sure thing on third and long ,it's either a catch or PI.

I agree Marshall has been a flag machine.Looks like Bigelow is hanging his cleats up.To pursue coaching those knee injuries caught up to him.Wish him best of luck.Fatu is looking unlikely.Following practices it's looking like Pili may get the start.On the brighter side Bebe has been running full contact and looking good in drills.Hoping to see him on the field at close to 100% for the first time this season

I don't see this one being won through the air. I think whichever team establishes the ground game will win it. Both teams are loaded at RB, with Wimbush adding the athletic dynamic for the Irish. I think Notre Dame is too talented defensively for USC to let Darnold try and win it on his own. Carr and Jones have to both show up in a big way for USC to have a shot. In the end, though, I think USC's inconsistent play catches up with them and ND pulls away in the second half on the back of Wimbush and Adams totaling 300+ rushing yards and forcing Darnold into 3 INTs.

Carr has been out the past few weeks with a foot injury.He still hasn't practiced much.From the looks of it.Its most likely to be Rojo and the combination of Ware and Vavae sharing the other snaps.As far as the game I think it could easily swing either way.This is SC/ND.These games are always unpredictable imo

 

[Cobrabit]

ND 27
USC 24

 

[Red_Alert]

ND < 10

USC's only advantage is in the passing game. It's sizeable, but that's where turnovers are most likely.
Turnover Margin: ND (9) USC (59)

ND (34-31)

 

[ericd7633]

I'm still a little worried about our defense even though it's played better this season. I think we'll be able to move the ball against SC, better than we did against a team like UGA, but I do think we'll need to create a turnover or two to win it. I'll go 24-23 in favor of USC, unfortunately.

 

[TheRobotDevil]

I'm still a little worried about our defense even though it's played better this season. I think we'll be able to move the ball against SC, better than we did against a team like UGA, but I do think we'll need to create a turnover or two to win it. I'll go 24-23 in favor of USC, unfortunately.

I had a feeling it may actually a defensive game.But their's just something about the SC/ND series.Where no matter how either team is playing.Or where either team is ranked.You just kinda don't know what to expect either way.Hopefully we get a good game

 

[ericd7633]

I had a feeling it may actually a defensive game.But their's just something about the SC/ND series.Where no matter how either team is playing.Or where either team is ranked.You just kinda don't know what to expect either way.Hopefully we get a good game

I think it'll be a good game, for sure. I really don't have a feel for what to expect. If USC takes away the run game of ND, we don't stand a chance.

 

[TheRobotDevil]

I think it'll be a good game, for sure. I really don't have a feel for what to expect. If USC takes away the run game of ND, we don't stand a chance.

If SC is sloppy with the ball again it could be a long night. This series is rough tho. I think over the years both sides have learned to expect the unexpected. One of the greatest rivalries in sports tho imo