Notre Dame, USC Clash in Final Critical Playoff Elimination Game

The longstanding college football rivalry between Notre Dame and USC, one of the sport's most historic matchups, faces uncertainty as USC head coach Lincoln Riley has expressed concerns about the game's scheduling and travel, seeking an easier path to the College Football Playoffs. Notre Dame has dominated recent encounters, winning seven of the last eight games against USC, including a recent 34-24 victory that improved their season record to 5-2. This Saturday’s game in South Bend is critical for both teams' playoff aspirations, with national media overwhelmingly predicting a Notre Dame win, citing their recent strong performances and turnover advantages. Notre Dame must avoid a third loss to maintain a viable playoff path, while USC aims to solidify its playoff credentials with a signature win against a ranked rival. This matchup is further intensified as it is the final scheduled meeting between the two due to conference realignment and new scheduling models, effectively making it a College Football Playoff elimination game. The game's outcome will significantly influence the postseason prospects of both iconic programs.