Could this actually be the year that the Notre Dame Fighting Irish beat the University of Southern California? The Trojans have won their last seven games against the Irish including a 38-3 win last year.

However, many think this Saturday's match-up just might be Notre Dame's best chance to come away with victory in years because of the play under center. Although USC has been a virtual quarterback factory over the past decade, the emergence of Jimmy Clausen has the Irish riding high.

NCAA odds makers are calling the Trojans heavy road favorites as the Vegas line is sitting at USC -10 with the total in the game set at 51.5.

While USC has gone 86-10 with two national championships since 2002, it's perhaps been at its best against Notre Dame. That's in no small part due to the play of quarterbacks like Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez and Matt Leinart.

Trojans' signal callers have thrown for an average of 323.0 yards per game and more than three touchdowns during a seven-game winning streak against the Irish, completing over 65 percent of their pass attempts.

This season, Clausen has to have the edge over USC's freshman Matt Barkley. Although the Trojans have found other ways to win, Barkley has thrown just 3 touchdowns as a starter. Clausen has thrown for over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2009.

Expect this game to be closer than most prognosticators think.

Take the Irish at home getting the 10 points. Clausen will keep his team in this one for sure.