Chat transcript: What's the formula for Notre Dame to upset USC?

Auburndale Harry is confused about USC's defense. ND seems to be best on the road. Paul Hornung won the Heisman during his senior year at ND.

Mike Berardino is picking Notre Dame to beat USC 30-28. UCLA's tight end Michael Ezeike made three touchdown catches on Saturday night. Ryan likes Benjamin Morrison's three interceptions against Boston College.   For the rest of the chat, Mike will talk about the game.

Mars Man is a talented young corner. He is the embodiment of "One Play, One Life" Marcus Freeman said. Mars Man ranks fourth on the team in defensive snaps (494).

Steve Angeli has played in many games this season.

Angeli has played in two games, taking seven total snaps against UNLV and Syracuse. He has yet to attempt a pass in a game. Angeli will play against USC and in the bowl game without exceeding the four-game limit for redshirt status.

Mike Costa mesa is on a chat transcript. Mike Costa asks him about the chances that ND uses Jaylen Sneed or Prince Kollie to spy Caleb Williams.

Notre Dame is looking to upset USC. Caleb Williams is a big threat for the Irish defense. Coach Freeman talked about it with Al Washington. He wants his players to stay in their rush lanes. He also wants them to bring him down. The game plan is to avoid him diving.

Brian ND Class of ‘75 wishes happy Thanksgiving to Brian ND and his classmates. USC's interior D line looked soft against UCLA. Rees will call the Clemson game plan against the Trojans.

The analytics don't like USC's rushing defense. The Trojans have allowed 21 rushing scores this season. USC is 102nd in yards per carry. UNC allowed the Irish to pile up 287 yards on the ground. UCLA, with the dynamic DTR at QB, averaged 5.5 yards a carry and went for 204 yards and two TDs on ground against USC.

Bob from Bonita Springs, Florida, wonders why Freeman didn't play his freshman QB and more young players in the 2nd half of the BC game.

Notre Dame used a season-high 69 players against BC. Just three offensive snaps went to the second O-line unit.

Mike Altoona, Pa. doesn't see Angeli getting on the field in either the SC or Bowl game. Mike Altoon, PA thinks it would have been better to use Angelis last week.

Mike Berardino and Mike Minchey discuss the possibility of Notre Dame upsetting USC. Minchy has since announced his commitment to Notre Notre.

Pat H. Springfield, Illinois, is wondering if the touchdown call was right. Pat H Springfield Illinois thinks either team can recover a backward pass that hit the ground.

Mike Berardino reports that the inadvertent whistle was the reason Marist Liufau's fumble return touchdown on that lateral pass was called back after replay review. Ken believes Notre Dame will beat USC on Saturday night.

Mike Berardino and Alan from Whiteland, Indiana, are predicting 30-28 Notre Dame victory over Caleb Williams. Alan wants to know what can Notre Notre do defensively to limit the explosive plays Williams makes.

Mike Berardino and Alan discuss the formula for Notre Dame to upset USC. Mike Mickens' cornerbacks coach has been emphasizing "plastering" to the receivers. Getting USC quarterback Williams to ground will be vital.

Jim from Berlin, Conn. thinks Notre Dame can upset USC. USC is scoring points at an unbelievable clip and Caleb Williams is a frontrunner for the Heisman.

Mike Berardino is glad to hear that Notre Dame is 7-0 when winning the time of possession battle.

Notre Dame is looking to upset USC. Whitey from NJ would like to see Chris Tyree in the slot position full-time.

Jersey Whitey has played only 24 pass-play snaps this season out of the slot. He played four times against BC, but he made just two catches. His biggest potential is on kickoff return. Mike Berardino will ask him about that topic at tonight's post-practice media session. Robert ranks the best 3 OL currently not starting.

Mike Berardino hasn't seen a practice period since August. The most intriguing backups would be Tosh Baker, Aamil Wagner and Ty Chan, Rocco Spindler and Billy Schrauth.

Steve, Findlay, Ohio, is on a chat about Notre Dame's chances of upsetting USC.

Notre Dame is likely to upset USC. The Irish are 8-4 and could play in the Holiday Bowl. UNC lost to Georgia Tech. The team that beat UNC in Chapel Hill is not a good team.

Domer Ed from Montgomery via Dowagiac wishes a happy Thanksgiving. Drew Pyne has been in charge of the team for 10 games and he's been a good quarterback. The team is playing USC on Saturday.

Alan from Whiteland, Indiana, is concerned about Notre Dame's running game. USC is going to put nine players around the line of scrimmage and force Drew Pyne to make plays in the passing game, so Notre Notre will be able to run the ball effectively.

Mike Berardino and Alan discuss how to upset USC.

Tim has only seen one USC game this year and that was versus UCLA. He thinks that the players were very emotional at the end.

Virginia grad transfer Bobby Haskins played his first game since the gun violence that killed three of his former teammates.

John from Scottsdale thinks that this season Freeman has evolved and improved as a coach. John thinks Freeman can avoid the early season inexplicable losses next year.

No. 13 Notre Dame (8-3) plays No. 5 USC (10-1) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (78,467) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST. The game is broadcast on ABC, WSBT Radio (960 AM), WNSN (101.5 FM). USC is a 5-point favorite.

Notre Dame won the last meeting against USC 31-26 in South Bend.