Utah State Vs USC Expert Predictions

Utah State Vs USC Expert Predictions

Written by on September 7, 2016

College football can be very cruel at times, as the smaller schools have to take a regular online beating against the big guys in order to keep their programs financially viable. That said, there are also times when the big guys are forced to suffer a similar humbling, which is exactly what has happened to USC over the past few years. It’s a humbling of their own making, though, as NCAA sanctions imposed for perceived wrongdoings have them tying to claw their way back to the lofty perch that they held not so very long ago. The feeling was that this would be the season where they took another big step forward, but if the opening week of the season proved anything, it’s that the Trojans still have a lot of work to do. USC appears to have an easier go of it this weekend, when they welcome in the Utah State Aggies, a team that they have never lost to in 5 previous meetings.

Analyzing The Utah State Aggies Vs USC Trojans Expert Predictions

When: Saturday, September 10 at 2 PM EST Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, LA TV: PAC 12 Network Live Stream: NCAA Sports Live NCAAF Odds: USC -16  
 

Why bet on the Utah State Aggies

It was a solid start to the season for the Aggies last week, as they totally dominated fellow mid-major Weber State in a 45-6 win. Utah State Aggies were in control from start to finish, and did the majority of the damage on the ground. All told, the running backs pounded the rock for 428 yards, tops in FBS in Week 1, and had 4 different runners get the ball into the end zone. This could well be a problem for the Trojans, as they surrendered 242 yards on the ground to the Crimson Tide in the opening week. Yes, there is a huge drop off in talent between Alabama and the Aggies, but those defensive holes will look big to any runner.

Why bet on the USC Trojans

For a little while, it looked as though the Trojans might be ready to put up a fight against the defending National Champions in Week 1, but as soon as Alabama went in front, the wheels came right off. USC ended up going down 52-6, and you have to wonder how a loss as big as that is going to affect their confidence. The Trojans have never lost to the Aggies, and have an average winning margin of 37 points in their 5 meetings, but it is worth noting that USC only managed a 17-14 win when they last met in 2013. USC has a chance to wash out the bad taste of their defeat last week, but there is also the possibility that things go from bad to worse if they struggle in this one.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I don’t see USC dropping this game on home field, but I do question whether or not they can win by the 16.5-point spread that the bookies are offering up. It’s be a win, but by slightly less than that margin.

Utah State Aggies 20 USC Trojans 34