Football Betting Preview

Notre Dame Fighting Irish +30 (6-5), 5-5-1 ATS, 5-6 O/U at No. 6 USC Trojans -30 (9-1) 5-5 ATS, 3-7 O/U
Saturday, November 29 Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (92,000) Los Angeles, California 8:00 p.m. EST
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Charlie Weiss and his Fighting Irish will try to save face this weekend in an effort to win back the hearts of those who have turned the other cheek regarding Notre Dame’s football program or, according to some bitter faithful, lack of a program. Meanwhile USC, directed by head coach Pete Carroll, will once again be in a favored, expected to win, situation. This rivalry has been perhaps one of the best in college football throughout the years, and even though Notre Dame has been down as of late, there is always a respect between these two teams, and an understanding of the potential for a classic to take shape.

The Fighting Irish are coming off of a heart-breaking loss to Syracuse last week 24-23. Despite the efforts of QB Jimmy Clausen and all-purpose “slash” player Golden Tate it was not enough against a determined Syracuse team that rallied to overcome a ten-point difference. The Irish lost their fifth game of the season which, coupled with last year’s losses gives them the most total losses (14) in consecutive seasons. The 2003-04 team lost 13 as did the 1959-60 and 1960-61 teams.

USC finally hit another gear last week versus Stanford when they scored 21 points straight to break up a 17-17 tie. The Trojans redeemed themselves after losing to Stanford a year ago. The win gave USC their ninth on the season and more importantly it keeps the Trojans in the hunt for a BCS bowl bid.

Trojan QB Mark Sanchez was 11-of-17 for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. Running back Stefon Johnson had 14 carries for 115 yards and 2 scores as USC finished strong with a 45-23 victory. The Trojans are averaging 38.4 points per game and only giving up 8!

Most online books are coughing up 30-32 points in favor of the Trojans, which is definitely a sensible spread. But will Notre Dame create some magic after being shut out last year in this contest 38-0?

USC is a force on their own field as they are 5-0 at home this season and the 92,000 fans will certainly add to their performance. Also at home, the Trojans are 3-2 ATS, but 0-5 on the O/U, which may sway a few bettors into re-thinking their position given they like action on the totals.

This is the 80th meeting between these two teams, and it certainly is one of the most storied rivalries in all of college football. USC has won the last 6 games against the Fighting Irish. The Trojans have the best scoring defense that they have had in 41 years- as they only allow 8.3 points per game to their opponents. One more fact, the Trojan’s are 26-0 in November under Coach Pete Carroll.

The Trojan defense was out of their regular game last week as they allowed Stanford to score 23 points, rush for 202 yards, and overall, the Cardinal totaled 367 yards. USC usually only allows 77 yards on the ground and 206 total. I think the defense will regroup and get back on track for the Irish. The Vegas books are also giving Notre Dame +30 and as much as +32, so you can bet the action will be flowing this weekend at all of the sports books.

Predictem Pick:
USC dominates the Irish again, but Weiss fires up his team and they cover the spread. USC 35, ND 17. Luck to ya.