The USC Trojans 2024 regular season wraps up on Saturday as they take on their historic rival Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
It has been an up-and-down, but overall disappointing, season for the Trojans as they come into this game sitting at 6-5. They clinched a bowl game with their win over the UCLA Bruins last week, but the expectations and aspirations were much greater heading into the year.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish come into the contest 10-1 and ranked 5th in the College Football Playoff Rankings.
Per BetOnline.ag, Notre Dame comes in at a -7.5 road favorite, and not many people are giving the USC Trojans a chance.
That is, everyone but College Football Analyst Josh Pate.
Josh Pate Makes Bold Claim About USC Trojans
USC would want nothing more than to play spoiler against their hated rival. Even with 2-losses, Notre Dame may be able to make the College Football Playoff, but they would certainly be relegated back to one of the lowest seeds.
After winning two games in a row, yet again one-possession games that came down to the final play, Pate feels good about the momentum the Trojans can ride into the Coliseum.
Not only does he think the spread is too fat, but he is choosing the Trojans to win outright.
“Give me Lincoln Riley to have his play-calling game of the year. Give me USC to have their game of the year.”
Last season, the Trojans were dominated by the Fighting Irish in South Bend, 48-20. It was Caleb Williams’ worst game of his storied career at USC. However, the last time these two teams met at the LA Coliseum, in 2022, USC won 38-27 and Williams had his “Heisman Moment.”
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In terms of team stats, the Fighting Irish have the 40th-ranked offense while the Trojans rank 32nd. Defensively the Fighting Irish rank 4th, and USC sits at 64.
While the records may not show it, this is actually a really tight and competitive matchup.
It has been excruciating for USC fans, but the Trojans have been in every single game this season. In fact, they have held a lead in every single 4th quarter.
The 2024 Trojans are truly a team that can beat anyone, but can also lose to anyone.
USC can get to 7 wins on the season and steal a ton of momentum with recruits and fans heading into the early signing period and the offseason. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM on Saturday and will air on NBC.