The USC Trojans (8-4) will battle the Iowa Hawkeyes (9-3) Friday at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego at 8 p.m. (on FS1). We analyze the USC-Iowa odds and betting lines, while providing college football betting tips and advice on this matchup.
USC vs. Iowa: Three things you need to know
1. USC finished the regular season fifth in the nation in passing yards at 335 yards per game.
2. USC has failed to cover in seven straight games against a Big Ten opponent.
3. The point total has gone UNDER in six of the last eight non-home games for USC.
USC vs. Iowa: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday at 3:40 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Iowa 30, USC 27
Moneyline (ML)
Iowa (-134) is a small moneyline favorite over USC (+110). But considering how low the spread is here, you are better off taking the Hawkeyes at -2.5 while getting better odds. With this in mind, AVOID a moneyline wager.
Against the Spread (ATS)
IOWA (-2.5, -110) is the play, being less than a field-goal favorite. While USC does have one of the better passing attacks in all of college football, Iowa’s veteran defense should have no problem slowing the Trojans down. The Hawkeyes have allowed the fifth-fewest points in the country and excel stopping the pass. Iowa is just a bad matchup for USC.
Over/Under (O/U)
The O/U is 51.5 (Over -115, Under -106) in part due to Iowa’s outstanding defense. However, that total seems slightly low despite the Under hitting in six of the last eight games involving the Hawkeyes. Look for this to be a fairly low-scoring game, but for the OVER 51.5 (-115) to hit late in the fourth quarter.
Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.
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