Utah State vs. USC Prediction, Tips & Odds – College Football Week 2

Lincoln Riley and the No. 13 USC Trojans will look to build on their impressive Week 1 win over LSU with a successful home game against the Utah State Aggies on Saturday night.

It's the ultimate sandwich spot for the Trojans, who travel to the Big House to face Michigan in Week 3. While that could play a role in the final outcome, I believe USC will dial in early, as I explain in my Utah State vs. USC predictions and college football picks for September 7.

Prediction for Utah State vs. USC

My best bet
USC -17.5 1H (-105 at BetMGM)

My analysis

It's hard to describe how impressive the job of new USC Trojans defensive coordinator D'Anton Lynn was last year, transforming UCLA's defense from inept to fearsome in the space of a year. It was nothing short of a miracle, and he was tasked with accomplishing the feat across town for Lincoln Riley's Trojans this season.

The early results are quite promising, as USC held LSU to 20 points in the opening game, even though the vast majority of the college football world expected the Tigers to come out on top on offense. The talent is there, and now a guru like Lynn can take advantage of it – combined with Riley's offensive prowess, it's a dangerous mix.

The opponent in Week 2 is the Utah State Aggies, a team that has endured one of the most tumultuous offseasons in recent memory. Former head coach Blake Anderson was fired after allegedly violating Title IX guidelines on proper reporting of sexual misconduct, and he has since declared his intent to sue Utah State for wrongful termination.

The team made 33-year-old Nate Dreiling the youngest (albeit interim) head coach in the country. Welcome to the show, boy—this is USC on the road!

The Aggies were hit hard by the crisis: They lost two quarterbacks who had started a game last year and three of their best defensive returners after the spring.

After Iowa transfer Spencer Petras was injured in the opening game and was seen wearing a walking boot, the team essentially has to rely on its fourth quarterback: Utah transfer and hog farmer extraordinaire Bryson Barnes (12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last year). Running back Robert Briggs Jr. broke his left leg in the opening game after a 55-yard run.

Miller Moss and this USC offense should be able to do whatever they want against a Utah State defense that ranked 106th in success rate a year ago. On the other hand, Utah State has a mistake-prone quarterback and allowed 44 sacks a year ago.

USC could step up a little in the second half with a trip to Ann Arbor next weekend, but the Trojans should have almost every advantage early on, so I'm backing them against the spread in the first half.

Utah State vs. USC – Same Game Combo (SGP)

USC-27.5

Utah State Team total Over 16.5

Zachariah Branch Over 49.5 yards gained

USC has won 10 straight games against the Mountain West Conference, and that dominance should continue Saturday against a Utah State team that has struggled to cover spreads, going 2-5 ATS in its last seven games.

The Aggies have essentially only one mode of attack. They spread the field, play at a fast pace (17th in plays per game at 2.58) and remain aggressive. While this play may seem out of reach at the beginning, the Aggies will throw the ball around and try to score some points so that their team total will hold up throughout the game.

Receiver Jalen Royals is one of the Mountain West's best returning players after throwing for 1,080 yards and 15 touchdowns last year. Slot man Kyrese White exploded in the opening game with just three receptions, throwing for 131 yards and two touchdowns.

This team's strength lies in passing and the game script suggests that they will come from behind.

Phenom Zachariah Branch is, in my opinion, the “most exciting player to watch with the ball in his hands,” and he just rushed for 56 yards against LSU. The Trojans don't have a favorite in the rushing game yet, and the former five-star recruit should capitalize on that.

Learn how to bet on the same game in an accumulator bet with these helpful tips and strategies.

Odds for Utah State vs. USC

Utah State vs USC State live odds

Opening odds for Utah State vs. USC

• Spread: Utah State +28 (-115) | USC -28 (-105)
• Money line: Utah State OTB | USC OTB
• Over/Under: Over 61.5 (-110) | Under 61.5 (-110)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM

Utah State vs. USC spread and over/under analysis

• Despite the final score of 36-14, Utah State struggled in the first half of Week 1 against Robert Morris. The Aggies trailed 14-10 at halftime before scoring 26 straight points.
• Utah State has an overall record of 6-66 against ranked teams.
• Both teams have been doing well in the over range lately, with Utah State going over the total in nine of its last 13 games while USC has done so in eight of its last 12 games.

Things to know about the Utah State vs. USC betting trend

USC has an overall record of 6-0 against Utah State with an average margin of victory of 37.5 points. Find more college football betting trends for Utah State vs. USC here.

Match info Utah State vs. USC State

Utah State vs. USC – latest injuries

Weather in Utah State and USC

Monitor conditions during the game with our college football weather information.

Pages on this topic