Ricky Dimon
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The best rivalry in college football between teams not in the same conference adds another chapter when the USC Trojans visit the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on Saturday night. This should be a good one, as USC is 6-0 and Notre Dame is 5-2 with losses only to teams with a combined 11-0 record (including Ohio State at the last second).
Here is my Same Game Parlay for the festivities, which will be televised starting at 7:30 pm ET on Peacock. Also be sure to check out our full USC vs Notre Dame predictions.
USC ML (+118)
Caleb Williams to record 40+ rushing yards (+174)
Sam Hartman to record 2+ passing touchdowns (-250)
Parlay odds: +870
Part of the value in a Same Game Parlay, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as USC quarterback Caleb Williams rushing for his fair share of yards would obviously work well with a win for the Trojans. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with backing Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman to throw a couple of touchdown passes. But even if that happens, there is no reason why USC can’t take care of business. Let’s break down each of the legs.
USC ML (+118)
Notre Dame is coming off a disappointing loss to Louisville and continues its grueling schedule against USC. The Fighting Irish could already be saddled with 3 losses if not for a last-minute win over Duke. Things don’t get any easier in the form of USC, which has been far from dominant but nonetheless remains undefeated. Led by reigning Heisman Trophy winner and possible #1 NFL draft pick Caleb Williams, the Trojans boast the best offense in the land.
Williams has a 71.7% completion percentage with 1,822 yards, 22 touchdowns and only 1 interception this year. He is 9th nationally in passing yards, 1st in touchdowns and 15th in completion percentage. It’s true that the Trojans’ defense is not any good, but if they can’t be stopped on the other side of the ball then they have a great chance to pull off a minor upset on the road.
Caleb Williams to record 40+ rushing yards (+174)
Although 40 is a pretty big number by Williams’ standards, I think he has a good chance of getting to it on Saturday night. Notre Dame is #3 in the nation in passing defense, allowing just 146.6 yards per game on 5.5 yards per attempt. The Fighting Irish have more interceptions (6) than passing touchdowns allowed (4). If USC receivers aren’t open, Williams will be more than willing to tuck it and run.
It’s also worth noting that conditions will be soggy. Even if it isn’t raining during the game, it will have been a downpour all day long. Moving the ball through the air may not be easy. Williams rushed for 35 yards against Notre Dame last season, so I can see him reaching the 40 mark this time.
Sam Hartman to record 2+ passing touchdowns (-250)
This play really doesn’t conflict too much with a USC win, because if the Trojans are going to be victorious they probably have to get the job done in a track meet. Even if Hartman gets to 2 touchdown passes (and he should do so with ease), USC is more than capable of winning a high-scoring affair. It’s not like the visitors’ defense is going to shoulder the load. The Trojans have given up 41 points in back-to-back weeks and they are allowing 264.3 passing yards per game. Opponents have passed for 15 TDs at their expense while rushing for a modest 6.
This matchup sets up well for Hartman, who has 16 touchdowns compared to just 2 interceptions for the season. He has tossed multiple scoring strikes in 5 of 7 games, including 4 twice.
Check out all today’s college football content through our NCAAF Week 7 Betting Guide
