This Saturday’s marquee clash pits the
USC Trojans
against the
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
in South Bend — a defined rivalry renewed in the Big Ten era. USC heads into the season with
Jayden Maiava
slated as the starting quarterback. Notre Dame rolls with
CJ Carr
at quarterback, part of a young but highly touted QB room. Both teams bring playmakers on offense and defenses that can be stretched. Let’s dig into four props that look interesting.
Jayden Maiava Over 282.5 Passing Yards
Maiava enters 2025 as USC’s lead QB after earning the nod this offseason. USC’s passing offense is expected to remain aggressive under Lincoln Riley, with weapons like
Makai Lemon
and
Ja’Kobi Lane
to stretch the field. Notre Dame’s secondary is young and has shown susceptibility to deep and intermediate throws in prior games. If USC opens with positive drives, Maiava could be in for heavy volume. The 282.5 mark gives room for him to pace his output.
Tip: Jayden Maiava over 282.5 passing yards
- USC leans passing
-
Lemon & Lane threats
-
ND secondary in transition
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CJ Carr Over 241.5 Passing Yards
Notre Dame’s offense is under the direction of
CJ Carr, a true freshman quarterback with promise. Though ND emphasizes balance, Carr will need to produce through the air in this matchup. USC’s defense is strong up front, which may force more dropbacks and quick throws. If Notre Dame stays in contention or needs to respond late, Carr could push past 241.5 yards.
Tip: CJ Carr over 241.5 passing yards
- Carr trusted in offense
-
USC front strong
-
ND may need to throw often
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Makai Lemon Over 87.5 Receiving Yards
Lemon is set to be Maiava’s primary vertical weapon. Notre Dame will likely match coverage aggressively, but its secondary may struggle against explosive receivers. Lemon’s ability on deep comebacks, verticals, and sideline throws gives him multiple paths to production. Given USC’s potential volume and Lemon’s target share, clearing 87.5 receiving yards looks realistic.
Tip: Makai Lemon over 87.5 receiving yards
- Lemon top target
-
Deep threat
-
ND struggles vs pass catchers
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Eli Raridon Anytime Touchdown (+155 to +190)
At Notre Dame,
Eli Raridon
is one of their more experienced tight ends and a red-zone asset. USC’s defense can give up tight end looks, especially when they drop into zone or miscommunicate. Raridon’s size and blocking ability make him a candidate in play-action sets near the goal line. Given expected red-zone trips for Notre Dame, Raridon at those odds provides good upside.
Tip: Eli Raridon anytime touchdown (+155-190)
- Raridon red-zone use
-
USC defense vulnerable vs TEs
-
Carr target inside 20
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Conclusion
This year’s USC vs. Notre Dame offers intriguing angles: an ascending QB in
Maiava
against a young ND secondary, and
Carr
needing to show poise in a hostile environment.
Lemon’s explosiveness and
Raridon’s red-zone potential round out a prop slate that leans toward passing yards and touchdown opportunities.
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