USC (3-4) vs Rutgers (4-3)
Game Info: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 11:00 pm (United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)
The Line: Betting Odds: USC -13.5 / Rutgers +13.5 — Over/Under: 51.5
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and the USC Trojans meet Friday in college football action from LA Memorial Coliseum. Here’s a Rutgers vs USC prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Rutgers vs USC pick. We will examine:
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights’ recent form and player performance
The USC Trojans’ recent form and player performance
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Recent betting trends and streaks involving the USC Trojans
Recent betting trends in games played between USC and Rutgers
A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the USC vs Rutgers game
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
The Knights got off to a smooth 4-0 start this year. Those victories came courtesy of Howard, Akron, Virginia Tech, and Washington. Rutgers would lose their next pair however, falling to Nebraska 14-7 and Wisconsin 42-7 for a 4-2 start.
Matched up against UCLA, the Knights scored in every quarter—but also gave up points in every quarter—in a tough loss 35-32. Athan Kaliakmanis threw for 287 yards with an interception, but Kyle Monangai did most of the work on the ground with 106 yards and three TDs.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
Over on the USC side, they started off with a couple of wins over LSU and Utah State before a 27-24 loss to Michigan. The Trojans would then beat Wisconsin 38-21 before two more losses to Minnesota 24-17 and Penn State 33-30 (OT).
In the Maryland game, the Trojans were up 21-7 at the break but eventually fell in a tough result 29-28. Miller Moss threw for 336 yards, three scores, and an interception. Jo’quavious Marks rushed 17 times for 82 yards and a TD, while Makai Lemon caught eight balls for 89 yards.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won 12 of its last 13 games against non-AP-ranked teams at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- Rutgers has lost 10 of its last 11 road games against conference opponents.
- Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as an underdog.
- USC has covered the spread in each of its last three games at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Why the Rutgers Scarlet Knights will win
- USC has lost three of its last four games as a favorite.
- USC has failed to cover the spread in nine of its last 10 October games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of USC’s last three games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Rutgers’ last four October games as an underdog has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Six of USC’s last seven home games in October have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks T21st among FBS teams for 1st downs this season (161).
- USC ranks 22nd among FBS teams for passing yards per game this season (288.6).
- Rutgers ranks 116th among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (75.8).
- Rutgers ranks 25th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (9.1).
Rutgers vs USC Prediction
I’ll lean toward USC, but this one’s a coin flip. The Trojans had a bad second half against Maryland in their latest defeat, ultimately giving up 429 yards (373 passing) and 25 first downs. On offense, USC had 417 yards (336 passing), 25 first downs, and 5.6 yards per play. Every loss by the Trojans this year has come by seven points or fewer.
As for Rutgers, they gave up 478 yards (383 passing) and 24 first downs in their loss to UCLA. The Knights posted 422 yards (287 passing) with 7.2 yards per play and 24 first downs of their own but had trouble keeping pace in the second half. This weekend’s matchup should be a pretty good one but I’m leaning USC at home.