USC vs Minnesota Prediction College Football Picks 10/5/24

Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-3 (0-2) this season after they lost to Michigan by a score of 27-24 last week. Minnesota trailed 24-3 in the fourth quarter, but they did score 21 points in the final quarter and nearly came back. The Golden Gophers outgained Michigan by a total of 296-241, lost the turnover battle 2-1, and went 6-15 on third down in the game. Max Brosmer threw for 258 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while Darius Taylor rushed for 36 yards and two scores. 

Minnesota also has losses against North Carolina and Iowa this year, but they did beat Nevada and Rhode Island. The Minnesota offense has scored 27.2 points per game with 225.8 passing yards and 101.4 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 15.4 points per game this season. The Golden Gophers have gone 43.8% on third down and 5-5 on fourth down so far this season. Max Brosmer has completed 66.2% of his passes for 1,094 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions, while Darius Taylor has rushed for 258 yards and five scores. 

Why USC will cover

• USC has won each of its last six road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Minnesota has lost eight of its last nine October games against AP-ranked teams.
• The favorite has covered the spread in seven of Minnesota's last eight games.
• Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home games against conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of USC's last six games in October has gone OVER the total points line.
• Each of Minnesota's last five October home games against AP-ranked teams has gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Minnesota ranks 5th among FBS teams for yards allowed per game this season (226.8).
• Minnesota ranks T17th among FBS teams for H1 opponent points per game this season (7.0).
• USC ranks T10th among FBS teams for H2 points per game this season (21.8).
• USC ranks 12th among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (316.0).

USC vs Minnesota Prediction 

USC did not play very well against Michigan or in the first half against Wisconsin, but they were able to bounce back in the second half and avoid two straight losses. The Trojans will travel back to the Midwest to face a physical Minnesota team here, but USC has the way better offense. Minnesota was held to just three points against Michigan in the first three quarters and I don’t count on USC collapsing the same way Michigan nearly did. I do think Minnesota will battle in the first half, but USC’s offense will get going and will run away with it. Take USC here.