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Notre Dame Sent College Football Playoff Warning Before USC Game
No. 13 Notre Dame is set to host No. 20 USC on Saturday in a game that will have College Football Playoff implications for both schools. The Irish have recent history on their side in the series, winning six of the last seven meetings between the programs, including a 49-35 victory over the Trojans last season in Los Angeles.
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Notre Dame’s win last year cemented the program’s place in the CFP. The Irish needed to win out after suffering a loss to Northern Illinois in Week 2. This season, Notre Dame needs to impress the selection committee with a win over USC, as the Irish suffered losses to then-No.10 Miami and then-No. 16 Texas A&M during their first two games.
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ESPN’s Heather Dinich sent a warning to the Irish during her appearance on “Get Up” on Friday. She believes Notre Dame cannot afford to lose to USC and remain in the CFP conversation because the progam is not in a conference.
“If there was a playoff elimination game, (Mike Greenberg), this would be it, because Notre Dame cannot afford to have a third loss period,” Dinich said. “This is what happens when you’re an independent. You don’t have a conference championship game to lock up one of those top spots with a conference title. So Notre Dame is under pressure not just now, but to run the table.
“They have an amazing chance to do that–the best chance in the FBS. And if they do that, they’ve got a 50-percent shot to get into the playoff.”
Notre Dame does not have a ranked team remaining in the regular season after USC. However, Navy is 6-0, and does have a chance to crack the top-25 when the Irish host the Midshipmen on Nov. 8.
Dinich believes Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman and USC head coach Lincoln Riley are locked in for Saturday night’s matchup, as the outcome will be huge for both programs.
“USC, Greeny, can make a statement win and legitimize its hopes if they can go on the road and beat Notre Dame,” Dinich said. “I talked to both head coaches this week, and defense is going to be a big part of it, and explosive plays for both teams.”
Per ESPN BET, the Irish enter the contest as 9.5-point favorites over USC.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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