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Can Notre Dame keep their playoff hopes alive?

USC vs Notre Dame has the chance to be the game of the year for 2025.

The rivalry between Notre Dame and USC used to generate all-time classic games. Since Pete Caroll’s departure from the Trojans’ program, it feels like this game has lacked its usual drama. Typically, when one team is at its peak, the other is playing below its usual standards.

But now, both teams have their playoff chances on the line, needing to bolster their resumes. Notre Dame has recovered from their close early-season losses to Miami and Texas A&M. USC bounced back from a shaky game against Illinois on the road in an early time slot. Most importantly, both of these teams are commanded by gifted quarterbacks with dominant offenses.

Redshirt freshman CJ Carr appears to be the best Notre Dame quarterback since Brady Quinn. USC’s Jayden Maiava is lighting up box scores as he connects with his elite receivers Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane. Oh, and we can’t forget about future first-round pick running back Jeremiyah Love toting the rock for the Fighting Irish.

The stage is set, and there’s a real shot that the game ends up being brilliantly high scoring with both of their secondaries struggling. Our fantastic college football staff predicted how they see this heated rivalry playing out in South Bend this Saturday. Here are some of the best notes:

“Heading into the 2025 college football season, Notre Dame was expected to have an elite defense and an improved passing attack. While Chris Ash’s defense has played well lately, that unit has been considerably worse than most people anticipated. On the other side, redshirt freshman quarterback CJ Carr has been even better than most believed as well, at least early on. This game feels like a shootout between Carr and USC signal caller Jayden Maiava, and fireworks could follow.” —Ryan Roberts

“Saturday’s showdown between Notre Dame and USC has all the ingredients for a classic, but this feels like the moment the Trojans make their statement. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has been in rhythm lately, showing excellent command of Lincoln Riley’s offense and delivering with both his arm and legs. His chemistry with wideouts Makai Lemon and Ja’Kobi Lane – two of the most dynamic receivers in the country – has helped transform USC’s passing game into one of college football’s most dangerous units.” —Brentley Weissman

“USC’s high-octane offense led by Jaydan Maiava sits No. 1 in the country in EPA per play, but Notre Dame’s dynamic duo of CJ Carr and Jeremiyah Love have the Irish not far behind. Both teams have had their struggles in close games throughout this season, but are no doubt going to bring their A-games after strong performances last weekend. With these two offenses, it feels like a bit of a shootout could break out in South Bend.” —AJ Schulte

For this matchup, I believe Notre Dame will be able to secure a close victory at home. USC has struggled when traveling, and there’s currently a potential for rain at kickoff, which bodes well for the Notre Dame run game.

The most significant advantage for Notre Dame is its experience from the adversity it’s already faced. Although Texas A&M and Miami defensively gashed them, losing two close games before November will mentally prepare them for this game. It will likely be tight and high scoring. Having past experiences of failure will rally the team in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.

LSU enters a must-win matchup with Vanderbilt

LSU may only have one loss, but its playoff hopes are absolutely on the line this Saturday against Vanderbilt.

The beginning of the season for the Tigers has been a bumpy one. LSU was riding high after proving itself on the road against what seemed like a title-contending Clemson team. Since then, it became apparent that Clemson was overrated, and LSU’s offense is a mess.

With fixable issues, the Tigers’ season hinges on how they play against this relentless Vanderbilt squad. A game like this could be the type of performance to establish momentum in the final stretch of the regular season.

Vanderbilt has their own desires to prove their capabilities since losing to Alabama. A home victory for the Commodores is on the table if Diego Pavia and the run game take over. They’ll need to find success against one of the best defenses in college football to accomplish that.

Our college football staff shared their projections for who will win this matchup. Here are the key takeaways:

“The LSU Tigers’ defense has been one of the best in the country, but their offense ranks 99th in adjusted EPA per play heading into the Vanderbilt game. Garrett Nussmeier and his offensive weapons have not lived up to the hype. They rank 68th in plays of 10+ yards. 97th in plays of 30+ yards. Vanderbilt’s defense hasn’t shown to be elite, but the lack of offense for LSU could be a problem.” —Travis May

“It’s been a more frustrating few weeks for LSU than their record shows, and keeping that perspective makes it easier to justify maintaining some faith they can iron this out. The recipe isn’t pretty, but grinding out possessions and then falling back onto an elite defense will work. The key is turnovers and how well Nussmeier can thread the needle between recklessness and playmaker … I think LSU has a higher ceiling because of its raw talent and defensive dominance for most of this season.” —Ian Valentino

“The Tigers enter this game with vibes around them just feeling… off. The defense has played well so far throughout the season, but their offense, led by QB Garrett Nussmeier, just can’t seem to get on the same page … Nussmeier is certainly playing through ailments, but the Tigers need his best game so far if they want to beat Vanderbilt on the road. Vandy’s offense has been one of the best in the SEC so far this season, but they were stymied a bit against Alabama … That being said, I’m gonna take the chance on the underdog who really isn’t the underdog on the betting side & choose Vandy to win.” —Adam Holt

I’m going against most of my colleagues on this one. I really believe the game plan to beat Vanderbilt was mapped out when they lost to Alabama. A struggling Crimson Tide defense was able to make halftime adjustments to bottle up Pavia completely. LSU’s squad is more balanced on defense with the elite talent to keep Pavia in check.

Additionally, Vanderbilt’s secondary was extremely weak against the Tide and allowed for Ty Simpson to rip through them. While Garrett Nussmeier has struggled, this is a spot where he can re-establish his confidence as a passer.

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