The USC Trojans look to bounce back on the road after a significant loss against Stanford in Week 2, where the Trojans were 17-point favorites. USC fell behind 21-10 at halftime and could not make up the gap in a 42-28 defeat. As for Washington State, they are coming off a 20-point win against Portland State, where the offense racked up 462 total yards. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our college football odds series, which includes the USC-Washington State prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the odds:
College Football Odds: USC-Washington State Odds
USC -7.5 (-110)
Washington State +7.5 (-110)
Over 62.5 (-105)
Under 62.5 (-115)
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Why USC Could Cover The Spread
USC opened up their 2021 season versus San Jose, winning by a score of 30-7. Trojans quarterback Kedon Slovis put up 256 yards and two touchdowns on 24-36 passing. Running back Keontay Johnson added 86 yards on 15 carries, and wide receiver Drake London had 137 receiving yards. However, the second game was a different story as USC lost at home after they were a sizeable double-digit favorite. USC accumulated nine penalties for 111 yards and one interception. They allowed Stanford to score 42 points and 375 total yards.
Last season, USC finished 1st in the PAC-12 with a 5-1 record. They have a plethora of talent that returns this season, yet they decided to part with head football coach Clay Helton after their most recent loss. USC decided they needed a “change in leadership” and therefore, interim head coach Donte Williams will take over this week. It starts with the passing game against a porous Washington State defense that does not have a pass rush and struggled in its first two games. Once the offense gets going, everything else should fall into place. The Trojans are 4-1 in their last five games on turf and 5-2-1 against the spread in their last eight after an ATS loss.
Why Washington State Could Cover The Spread
Washington State comes into this game with some momentum after a 20-point victory against Portland State. The Cougars put up 44 points on 462 total yards and only had one penalty for ten yards as a unit. Quarterback Jacob de Laura completed 21-29 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Washington State’s offense averages 33.5 points per game with 411 yards, so the Cougars know how to get in the endzone. They will need to have an up-tempo offense against this USC defense similar to what Stanford did last week.
This season the Cougars average 9.0 more points per game than the Trojans surrender (24.5), and average 35.5 more yards per game than the Trojans give up (375.5). Their offense is led by quarterback Jacob de Laura and senior running back Deion Mcintosh. Both players scored a rushing touchdown each last week. Additionally, USC only forced three punts in their last game as Washington State posted 27 first downs in their previous victory. Therefore, they should be able to move the chains with ease against the Trojans this weekend.
Final Prediction and Pick
The Cougars are 0-5 against the spread in their last five after an ATS loss and 1-7 against the spread in their previous eight games after a straight-up win. USC just fired their head coach and maybe looking forward to a fresh start this week on the road. The Trojans will be the most challenging opponent that Washington State has yet to face. Back the Trojans on the road to cover the spread and get the win.
Final USC-Washington State Pick: USC Trojans -7.5
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