The Stanford Cardinal (1-0) welcomes the No. 12 USC Trojans (1-0) to Stanford Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the USC at Stanford odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Trojans got their first look at transfer QB Caleb Williams, who started at Oklahoma last season, against Rice. He went for 249 passing yards and 2 touchdowns in their 66-14 victory.
On top of completing 19-of-22 passes, he also ran for a team-high 68 yards on just 6 carries. The Trojans used a 28-point 3rd quarter to pull ahead and ensure they started off 1-0. This will be a tougher test for the ranked side.
Stanford will play in its 2nd straight home game, having limited Colgate QB Michael Brescia to just 57 yards on 19 attempts. The Cardinals picked him off as well.
Stanford won 41-10, using a 308-yard performance from Tanner McKee and a 118-yard, 2-touchdown showing from starting RB E.J. Smith to blow out the Raiders.
USC is No. 12 in the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+
USC at Stanford odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): USC -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Stanford +260 (bet $100 to win $260)
- Against the spread (ATS): USC -9.5 (-108) | Stanford +9.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 66.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
USC at Stanford picks and predictions
Prediction
USC 35, Stanford 28
Money line
PASS.
I wouldn’t hate a small wager on the home side because I do think the Cardinal are able to keep this close. However, there’s better value than the +260 money line play.
Against the spread
BET STANFORD +9.5 (-112).
While it may seem like the Trojans have the edge with Williams, McKee is a junior that started last season and had a strong first performance as well, throwing for over 300 yards.
He should be able to have some success at home. McKee stands 6-foot-6 and is a force in the pocket. Smith also is looking like a strong starting back, so the combo should lead to quality offensive production.
Neither team got a great challenge in Week 1, so it’s tough to gauge just how good USC is. With a new fearless leader, the team that finished 4-8 a season ago could begin to look like its old self.
For now, given the fact that McKee has the experience and is at home, I’ll take the Cardinal to cover the more than a touchdown spread.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 66.5 (-112).
USC had 66 points by themselves in their Week 1 win, taking 31 points into the half. Stanford put up 41. Both teams also allowed double-digit scoring by its opponent.
McKee and Williams aren’t just going to play well; they should be primed to put on a show. Both have experience and should be vying for a potential draft pick.
Considering the talent on display in both the run game and pass game, I expect a plethora of points. This is a high total, but the offenses should be able to rack up yards with ease.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this game or any other NCAA football matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]