Notre Dame's toughest opponent in 2015 will be USC

USC is projected to be a top-10 team in 2015, and it's no surprise with Heisman hopeful Cody Kessler at the helm. Kessler has plenty of weapons at his disposal with a stout and experienced offensive line. For that reason and more, Chase Eyrich over at Slap The Signs feels USC will be Notre Dame's toughest opponent when the two meet on Oct. 17.

"This is going to be a very [tough] USC team," Eyrich writes. "Much like the Irish, USC is going to be running an up-tempo [offense]. USC will rely on their run game from Javorius Allen and Tre Madden to help open up the passing game."

And that's just the offense.

"On the other side of the ball, USC has two players that everyone is going to want to keep and ye on, at linebacker Su'a Cravens and cornerback Adoree' Jackson. Don't expect this to be the same USC defense that was ranked 116th in the nation for pass defense as the Trojans looked to have filled the gaps."

Are the Fighting Irish shaking from this matchup? Not the slightest, but rest assure it'll be one intense matchup.

(h/t Slap The Sign)

Photo Credit: Richard Mackson, USA TODAY Sports