The war of words between longtime rivals Notre Dame and USC has already begun, and the one doing the talking has never even played in a game between the two teams. He hasn't started in any others either.

USC redshirt freshman quarterback Max Wittek predicted the Trojans would upset the No. 1 team in the country on Saturday while a guest on ESPN 710 on Tuesday. Wittek will be making his first collegiate start on Saturday and has wasted no time making his presence felt. Or, at least his voice.

"I'm gonna go out there, I'm gonna play within myself, within the system, and we're gonna win this ballgame," Wittek said, according to ESPN.com.

Matt Barkley is out with a shoulder injury and Wittek has wasted no time showing his excitement to finally get an opportunity to play. In his rare appearances this season, Wittek is 8 for 9 with 95 yards and one touchdown.

The Trojans are 7-4 and playing with nothing to lose since they are completely out of the national rankings and BCS picture while the Fighting Irish are looking for a spot in the BCS National Championship game.