USC Trojans Face Notre Dame Fighting Irish with Gage Roy Leading the Charge

First Quarter

As the USC Trojans prepare to face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how this matchup will unfold. The first quarter will set the tone for this highly anticipated game. With Gage Roy at quarterback, the Trojans are expected to come out strong against a formidable ND defense. The current moneyline odds from DraftKings show USC as the underdog at +285, while Notre Dame stands at -360. This indicates a challenging start for SC, but with strategic plays and early momentum, they could potentially shift these odds in their favor.

Second Quarter

Heading into the second quarter, both teams will likely adjust their strategies based on the initial exchanges. FanDuel's spread has seen a notable shift, with Notre Dame's spread moving from -12.5 to -7.5, reflecting increased confidence in USC's ability to keep the game close. This change suggests that bettors believe SC can tighten up their defense and capitalize on any weaknesses shown by ND in the first quarter. The over/under set by MGM remains steady at 53.5 points, hinting at a balanced scoring effort from both sides.

Third Quarter

The third quarter is often where games are won or lost, and this clash is no exception. PointsBet has adjusted its odds significantly since opening, with USC's odds improving from +400 to +275. This upward trend for SC indicates growing belief in their potential to challenge ND's dominance as they head into this critical phase of play. Bettors should watch for key performances from players like Carlon Jones on defense and Walter Matthews on offense as they aim to disrupt ND's rhythm.

Fourth Quarter

As we approach the final quarter of play, tensions will be high as both teams vie for victory. The consensus betting data shows a strong 88 percent backing for USC against the spread, indicating that many expect them to cover or even surpass expectations late in the game. FanDuel’s total points line has shifted dramatically from an opening 53.5 to 65.5 points, suggesting an explosive finish could be on the cards if both offenses find their stride.

In conclusion, this matchup between two storied programs promises excitement and unpredictability until the final whistle blows. Fans can catch all the action live on NBC when USC takes on Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on October 18th at 7:30 PM ET.

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