The USC Trojans (4-7, 3-5 Pac-12) and California Golden Bears (4-7, 3-5) meet Saturday for an 11 p.m. ET game at California Memorial Stadium in Berkley, Calif. Below, we look at the USC vs. California odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
USC made an off-the-field splash by hiring head coach Lincoln Riley away from Oklahoma this week, but the on-field product has been rough of late. USC is just 1-5 ATS over its last six games and it’s given up at least 31 points in each of those contests.
California is coming off a 42-14 loss to UCLA last Saturday, which was the second time in its last three games where the offense failed to score more than two touchdowns. The Golden Bears are 6-5 ATS this season despite their 4-7 record.
USC at California odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:22 a.m. ET.
- Money line: USC +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | California -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): USC +4.5 (-115) | California -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 57.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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USC at California odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
California 31, USC 24
Money line
California could win this by a wide margin given how USC is finishing the season under an interim coach. PASS on the money line and go for the Golden Bears against the spread.
Against the spread
With distractions galore swirling around the USC program this week, you have to wonder how focused the team will be heading into a game where neither side has anything to play for.
The Trojans’ passing game has been a highlight (301.4 yards per game; 17th nationally), but that production has slipped since star WR Drake London went down for the season in late October. USC’s defense will be the worst unit on the field Saturday night as well (422.9 yards allowed per game; 98th nationally).
California has a more balanced attack and has at least had some success down the stretch. Our lean is CALIFORNIA -4.5 (-105).
Over/Under
USC is averaging 30.0 points per game on the season compared to California’s 23.7. Neither offense has been that explosive of late and this is a pretty high number.
Take the UNDER 57.5 (-108).
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