Photo by Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USC Trojans (1-0) vs Stanford Cardinal (0-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 10:30 pm (United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
Betting Odds: USC Trojans -17.5 -- Over/Under: 50.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Stanford Cardinal will head on the road to face the USC Trojans this Saturday in an FBS College Football matchup. USC won the last matchup 45-20 back in 2016.
It was a disappointing week one for Stanford, as they fell 24-7 on the road to the Kansas State Wildcats. With a three-point spread, it was supposed to be a close game, but Stanford fell into a 14-0 first half deficit and could not recover. They mustered just 233 yards of total offense against a Kansas State defense that finished last in the Big 12 in passing defense during 2020. Tanner McKee and Jack West both saw time under center, and both completed a high percentage of their passes but for minimal yardage. On the ground they averaged just 1.8 yards per carry. Defensively they were gashed for 6.5 yards per carry for a total of 200 yards.
The Trojans are feeling good after a solid 30-7 win over the San Jose State Spartans in their first game. Their defense looked fantastic, shutting out the Spartans in the first half and limiting them to 376 yards of total offense. They also limited San Jose State to 3-14 on third downs, a big reason for their success. On the offensive side of the ball, top QB prospect Kedon Slovis had a decent game, going 24-36 for 256 yards and two touchdowns. Drake London was his favorite target all day, as the pair connected 12 times for 137 yards. The rushing attack was also productive, as they averaged 4.7 yards per carry for 160 yards.
Stanford is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games, 4-6 on the money line, and the over is 5-5.
USC is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games, 9-1 on the money line, and the over is 5-5.
The Trojans are ranked 15 in the nation for a reason; they have one of the best offenses in the league, led by Heisman hopeful Kedon Slovis. They were efficient in week one against a solid San Jose State defense that only allowed 20 points per game a year ago, and that defense returned 10 starters this season. Stanford could not get anything going on either side of the ball in week one, so it would be foolish to expect them to turn things around on the road against this USC team. Take the Trojans to win this one easily.
Joe’s Pick USC Trojans -17.5
AUTHOR: Joe Bonomo
Mitch's Take...
