Micah's 5 expectations for USC Vs Notre Dame

Jayden Maiava will outperform CJ Carr

This could be one of the best matchups in this game. Both quarterbacks are playing at a high level. Most people are giving credit to CJ Carr for his dominant play after the first two losses this season. Jayden Maiava has been just as good if not better. Maiava has been consistent for the Trojans this entire season. In the last two games, he has thrown an interception; this game, he can not afford to do that. Whichever quarterback puts the ball in harm’s way will seal their team’s fate. This whole season has been a build up for this game and this moment. Maiava will rise to the occasion and outplay Carr.

Makai Lemon has his best game

Big-time players make big-time plays in big moments. Makai Lemon will have a game full of making big plays. This season, his highest production was 158 yards receiving. I think he gets closer to 200 yards in this game, and he puts his name even further on the map as one of the best players in college football. For USC to have a chance to win this game, the Maiava to Lemon connection has to be on point, and it will be.

King Miller will run for 100 yards again

I am not worried about the passing attack for the Trojans, but their run game will need to be effective for them to win. Freshman King Miller had a very impressive day as the lead back last week against a frisky Michigan defense. He was running away from the Wolverines‘ defenders all game. He can do the same against an exposable Fighting Irish defense. If Miller gets going, the Irish won’t be able to stop the Trojans’ passing attack even more.

D’Anton Lynn slows the Irish’s offense just enough to win

Lynn and the Trojans’ defense are coming off a stellar performance against a talented Michigan Wolverines offense. They got Bryce Underwood out of his comfort zone, and they made Michigan one-dimensional. If the Trojans can do just that for a couple of drives, that could be enough to win this game; that is all it will take. Lynn showed last week why he is the best defensive coordinator Riley has had recently; he will show it again Saturday.

This game will be a classic

One of the best rivalries in college football, and this just might be the last game of this rivalry. Lincoln Riley is heading into South Bend with his best USC Trojan team yet. Notre Dame is not this proven, unbeatable top 5-ranked team in college football at this moment. The Trojans have a chance, and both teams are fighting to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. This game could produce one of the best games of this rivalry. This will be a high-scoring matchup, and it will come down to a game-winning drive by the winning team.