The USC Trojans look for their third straight victory on Saturday evening, renewing their longtime rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend. However, the Trojans have an uphill battle on the road, as USC is a nine-point underdog, per our friends at Bodog.
At first glance the line seems high. Both teams are just outside of the top 25; Notre Dame is No. 27 in the latest Associated Press poll while USC is No. 28. They are even close in the Sagarin computer rankings, as USC is No. 30 and Notre Dame is No. 31. The winner of the game on Saturday has the inside track to rejoin the AP top 25. That USC is outside the top 25 now is a rarity: this is the first time a 5-1 Trojans team has not been ranked, and the AP poll has been around since 1936.
For those so inclined, there could be money to be made here with a bet on the Trojans and the points. At SBGlobal.com and 5Dimes.com the line is already eight and a half points. Best to swoop in now while the line is still high, before it undoubtedly comes down to entice more action.
Saturday's 4:30 p.m. game will be televised nationally by NBC, with Tom Hammond, Mike Mayock, and Alex Flanagan on the call. For more USC football news and information, be sure to read Conquest Chronicles.