Notre Dame football score predictions: Fighting Irish vs. USC national picks

Is Notre Dame on upset alert at USC? Some — but not the majority — of national experts believe so.

Here’s what the media believes will happen when the Irish take on USC at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Los Angeles.

On3: Notre Dame -6.5

“It is a likely outcome that Notre Dame just leans on USC in the second half and USC just breaks, and it becomes a 17-point game.” — Andy Staples

Pro Football Focus: Notre Dame 31, USC 20

“The Fighting Irish’s dominant run game leads them to victory while Notre Dame’s stingy defense holds Lincoln Riley’s Trojans in check. The Fighting Irish put the finishing touches on their playoff resume with an 11-1 record and will host a first-round playoff game.” — Max Chadwick

Josh Pate: USC defeats Notre Dame

“Friends, I think we’re gonna see the outright upset. This is the one. That vibe Auburn had last week, I think USC is gonna end up having it. They find a way.” — Pate

The Sporting News: Notre Dame 31, USC 20

“Notre Dame can clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff here, and the Irish’s defense has dominated the last five weeks. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has shown progress in two starts, but the Irish defense is different. Notre Dame has a plus-13 turnover ratio in its last six games, and they have covered the spread in all of those games. USC is 4-1 S/U at home this season with an overtime loss against Penn State. The Irish’s running game will be the difference, and Jeremiyah Love – who has three 100-yards games the last four weeks – will be the star. The Trojans will make it interesting, but the Irish are a good road dog.” — Bill Bender

Bleacher Report: Notre Dame 35, USC 21

“Over the last two weeks, USC defeated Nebraska and UCLA to secure bowl eligibility. That’s a sigh of relief for the Trojans, who otherwise would have needed to upset Notre Dame for a sixth straight win. Considering how well ND’s defense has played recently — six straight games with no more than 14 points allowed — that would’ve been a risky proposition.” — David Kenyon