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Utah vs USC Prediction, Odds & Picks – College Football Week 8
by Brady Trettenero in College Football
Updated Oct 21, 2023 · 12:07 PM PDT
Oct 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) runs the ball during the second overtime against the Arizona Wildcats at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY SportsUtah faces USC in Pac-12 college football action on Saturday nightThe Utes are seven-point underdogs despite winning the previous two meetingsRead below for Utah vs USC predictions, odds & picks for Saturday night
The Utah Utes (5-1) will face off against the USC Trojans (6-1) on Saturday, October 21st at 8:00pm ET at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game will be televised on FOX.
The oddsmakers have installed USC as 7-point favorites at home. The over/under for total points scored is set at 53.
Let’s get into the Utah vs USC odds and offer our prediction for this Week 8 Pac-12 college football game.
Utah vs USC Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Utes | +7.0 (-110) | +205 | Over 53.0 (-110) |
| USC Trojans | -7.0 (-110) | -250 | Under 53.0 (-110) |
The Trojans are set at seven-point favorites, with their moneyline of -250 implying there is a 71.4% chance Lincoln Riley’s team secures the victory.
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USC-Utah History
While USC leads the all-time series 12-9, Utah has won three of the last five meetings, including a convincing 47-24 victory in last year’s Pac-12 Title game.
| Result | Game Score | Spread | Total | ATS Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2, 2022 | Utah 47, USC 24 | USC -3 | Over 68 | Utah covers |
| Oct 15, 2022 | Utah 43, USC 42 | Utah -3.5 | Over 65 | USC covers |
| Oct 9, 2021 | USC 42, Utah 26 | Utah +2.5 | Over 53.5 | USC covers |
| Nov 21, 2020 | Utah 33, USC 17 | Utah -1 | Under 59 | Utah covers |
| Sep 20, 2019 | USC 30, Utah 23 | USC -3.5 | Under 53.5 | USC covers |
The rivalry has been close in recent years, with exciting high-scoring games. Utah has a slight edge with their physical run game and defense, but USC’s star offensive players like Caleb Williams can erupt at any time.
Utah Betting Analysis
Utah comes into this matchup on a four-game winning streak after defeating Cal 34-14 last week. Their only loss this season came in a 21-7 road defeat against Oregon State. Utah is now 3-2-1 ATS this season after covering as 10.5-point favorites vs the Golden Bears.
The Utes have relied on their stingy defense this year, ranking 5th in the nation by allowing just 11.8 points per game. They held Baylor to 13 points and Oregon State to 21. This strong defensive play has led to the “under” cashing in five of six contests.
Among the highlights through five games has been the lockdown effort of the Utah defense, which is allowing just 11.8 points per game to lead the Pac-12 and rank top-five in the nation.#GoUtes | @Utah_Football https://t.co/sDVNuJPAsT
— Utah Athletics (@utahathletics) October 13, 2023
On offense, Utah has struggled with injuries at the quarterback position. Starter Cameron Rising has yet to play this season due to injury. Bryson Barnes and Nate Johnson have filled in adequately, but the passing game ranks just 117th nationally.
Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson leads the team in rushing with 333 yards and 5.5 yards per carry. The Utes have three capable backs they rotate in the backfield. As in previous matchups, the Utes will look to rely heavily on their ground game facing USC’s weak defensive line.
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USC Betting Analysis
USC saw their perfect 6-0 record blemished last week in a 48-20 blowout loss on the road at Notre Dame. Prior to that, their closest contest was a 43-42 OT win over Arizona.
The Trojans boast the 2nd highest-scoring offense in the country, averaging 47.2 points per game. Quarterback Caleb Williams has been superb, passing for 2021 yards with 23 TDs and just four INTs. He is a Heisman frontrunner.
Wide receivers Tahj Washington and Mario Williams along with running back Marshawn Lloyd give USC a plethora of weapons. However, the offensive line has struggled in pass protection at times. Williams was sacked six times by UND’s defense in Week 7.
Defensively, USC ranks 98th in points allowed, giving up 30 per game. The secondary has been a major weakness, ranking 91st in pass defense. Fortunately, Utah QB Cam Rising, who exploited them through the air in previous meetings, is unlikely to suit up on Saturday.
Utah vs USC Prediction 2023
While USC boasts the far superior offense, their defense remains a liability. Utah’s defense should be able to contain the Trojans enough to keep this game close.
The Utes have a clear edge in the trenches on both sides of the ball, and their methodical rushing attack and time-consuming drives can limit possessions for USC.
We like USC to get their revenge on the Utes without Rising in action, but we have this projected as a one-score game. Expect Utah to control the tempo with their ground game and keep this game within a touchdown.
Pick: Utah +7 (-110)
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