Notre Dame Football: 5 reasons the Irish will beat USC in Week 8

EAST LANSING, MI - SEPTEMBER 23: Brandon Wimbush #7 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on September 23, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

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1. Sam Darnold has struggled on the road this year

“Hi, I’m home-field Sam Darnold and I have DirecTV. Hi, I’m Sam Darnold on the road and I have cable.”

That’s how the commercial goes, right? It should, because Darnold has been average, at best, on the road this season. In fact, in two road games, the Trojans are just 1-1 and Darnold has passed for 387 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Well, the Trojans are hitting the road for the third time this season as Notre Dame Stadium is calling their names. That’s not the best news for Darnold as he seems to feel the pressure of the bright lights on the road — the Washington State loss was the perfect example of that.

Sure, Darnold might be the best quarterback in college football, but you can tell he’s pressing a bit this season. He’s been a turnover machine through seven games and, as mentioned earlier, he just looks a little worn out. He needs a bye week, but unfortunately the Trojans don’t get one until Nov. 25, which is after the final game anyway.

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South Bend is going to be rocking on Saturday night as the Fighting Irish are vying for a playoff spot and beating the Trojans will be a good step in the right direction.

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