Is Notre Dame on alert for USC? Some – but not the majority – of national experts believe so.

Here’s what the media thinks will happen when the Irish take on USC in Los Angeles on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.

On3: Notre Dame -6.5

“It’s a likely outcome that Notre Dame just leans on USC in the second half and just breaks USC and it becomes a 17-point game.” –Andy Staples

“The Fighting Irish’s dominant running game leads them to victory, while Notre Dame’s stingy defense keeps Lincoln Riley’s Trojans at bay. The Fighting Irish are putting the finishing touches to their playoff resume with an 11-1 record and will host a first-round playoff game.” – Max Chadwick

Josh Pate: USC beats Notre Dame

“Friends, I think we are in for a complete surprise. That’s it. That vibe that Auburn had last week, I think USC will have it at the end. They find a way.” – Godfather

The Sports News: Notre Dame 31, USC 20

“Notre Dame can clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff here, and the Irish’s defense has dominated over the last five weeks. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has shown improvement in two starts, but the Irish defense is different. Notre Dame has a plus-13 turnover rate in its last six games and has covered the spread in all of those games. USC is 4-1 S/U at home this season with an overtime loss to Penn State. The Irish’s running game will be the difference, and Jeremiyah Love – who has three 100-yard games in the last four weeks – will be the star. The Trojans will make it interesting, but the Irish are a good street dog.” —Bill Bender

Tribune Report: Notre Dame 35, USC 21

“In the last two weeks, USC defeated Nebraska and UCLA to secure bowl eligibility. That’s a sigh of relief for the Trojans, who otherwise would have had to upset Notre Dame for their sixth straight win. Considering how well ND’s defense has played recently – six straight games with no more than 14 points allowed – that would have been a risky proposition.” —David Kenyon

CBS Sports: All but one choose Fighting Irish

• Dennis Dodd: ND
• Tom Fornelli: ND
• Chip Patterson: ND
• Shehan Jeyarajah: ND
• Jerry Palm: USC
• Brandon Marcello: ND
• Richard Johnson: ND

Source: Notre Dame vs USC Prediction, Picks, Distribution, Football Match Odds, Where to Watch, TV Channel, Live Stream

USA TODAY Sports: All but one choose Fighting Irish

• Scooby Axson: ND
• Jordan Mendoza: ND
• Paul Myerberg: ND
• Erick Smith: ND
• Eddie Timanus: ND
• Dan Clouds: USC

Source: College football Week 14 predictions with playoff implications and rivalries in focus

Athlon Sports: All Fighting Irish

• Steven Lassan: ND
• Thomas Neumann: ND
• Kyle Wood: ND

Source: College Football Picks: Expert Predictions for Every Game in Week 14