USC vs Rutgers Prediction 9/19/2026 Today’s College Football Picks
Chris Ruffolo
Sep 12, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Jayden Maiava (14) throws the ball against the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
MATCHUP
USC Trojans
Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Team Records
3-0
0-2
Spread
-21.5 -112
+21.5 -108
Moneyline
-2100
+1100
Total
Over 58.5 (-102)
Under 58.5 (-118)
Where
SHI Stadium, Piscataway, NJ
When
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time
03:30 PM EDT
TV
CBS
The USC Trojans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet in week 3 college football action from SHI Stadium on Saturday. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction.
USC Trojans Recap
The USC Trojans come into this game looking to add on to their 49-30 win over Louisiana last time out to sit at 3-0 on the year. After this game, USC will head home for a game against the Oregon Ducks.
Trojans Looking To Stay Unbeaten
Jayden Maiava has thrown for 896 yards, 10 touchdowns and 1 interception on 80.7% passing while King Miller leads the Trojans in rushing with 236 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns so far this season. Waymond Jordan has 162 rushing yards and 1 TD while Trent Mosley leads USC in receiving with 255 receiving yards and 13 catches to lead USC along with 4 touchdowns as well this season. On defense, Deven Bryant has a team-high 12 total tackles while Kennedy Urlacher and Jadyn Ramos lead the team with 2 sacks each, and USC’s defense as a whole has combined for 7 sacks and 1 interception so far this season.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Recap
The Rutgers Scarlet Knights come into this game looking to bounce back from a 28-21 loss at the hands of Boston College last time out to fall to 0-2 on the year. After this game, Rutgers will take on Indiana at home.
Scarlet Knights Looking For Huge Home Upset
AJ Surace has thrown for 307 yards, 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 66.7% passing while Antwan Raymond leads the Scarlet Knights in rushing with 176 rushing yards and 0 touchdowns so far this season. Clay Thevenin has 40 rushing yards and 0 TDs while KJ Duff leads Rutgers in receiving with 333 receiving yards and 17 catches along with 5 touchdowns so far this season. On defense, Jesse Ofurie has a team-high 13 total tackles while Moses Walker leads the team with 1 sack, and Rutgers’ defense as a whole has combined for 1 sack and 2 interceptions so far this season.
Rutgers has won eight of its last 10 home games in September.
USC has lost each of its last three road games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
USC has failed to cover the spread in each of its last six September games as a road favorite.
The home team has covered the spread in five of Rutgers’ last six games.
Rutgers has won the first half in eight of its last 10 home games in September.
The home team has won the first quarter in each of USC’s last three games.
Why the USC Trojans will win
USC has won each of its last 15 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Rutgers has lost each of its last four games.
Rutgers has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 12 games against AP-ranked teams.
The team ranked 12th in the AP Poll has covered the spread in five of its last six games.
Rutgers has lost the first half in 30 of its last 32 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
USC has won the first quarter in 10 of its last 11 September games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
Each of Rutgers’ last eight games as a home underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
Four of USC’s last five September games as a road favorite have gone OVER the total points line.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Player Prop Facts
Heading into Week 3, KJ Duff ranks T1st amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (5) this season.
USC Trojans Player Prop Facts
Heading into Week 3, Jayden Maiava ranks 1st amongst FBS players for passing yards (896) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
Rutgers ranks T5th among FBS teams for sacks this season (8.0).
Rutgers ranks 132nd among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (57.1).
USC has recorded the most home wins by a margin of 10+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
USC has recorded the most home wins by a margin of 15+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
USC Trojans vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights Prediction
I’m on Rutgers and the points here. USC historically has been god awful in these cross country travel spots and I think we could see that happen again here especially with a huge game against Oregon on deck for USC. The Scarlet Knights have been awful, but I think they’ll be sky high for this game and I think the backdoor is wide open for Rutgers here. Give me the Scarlet Knights and the points here.
