Friday Night Football: Predictions, Props & Odds for Rutgers vs USC

• USC is a hefty 13.5-point favorite over Rutgers in Week 9 college football action Friday night
• Both teams are riding 3-game losing streaks
• Read below for Rutgers vs USC betting line, prediction and pick

Two teams desperate for a win clash Friday night when the USC Trojans (3-4, 1-4 Big Ten) host the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (4-3, 1-3 Big Ten).

Both schools are riding three-game losing skids and sit Bottom 4 in the Big Ten standings.

In the first-ever meeting between these programs, the Trojans have been tabbed as hefty double-digit home favorites in the college football odds.

Who stops the slide? Read below for our Rutgers vs USC preview and best bet.

Rutgers vs USC Odds

The Trojans, who boast a Top-40 offense in the nation in terms yards per game, are 13.5-point home favorites in a game featuring a total of 56.5.

Odds as of October 24 (9pm ET) at Caesars Sportsbook. Be sure to check out the best Caesars Sportsbook promos before placing a bet on any Week 9 College Football matchup.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11pm ET at LA Memorial Coliseum, with FOX broadcasting the game.

Trojans Can Score, Can’t Close

Imagine how USC’s inaugural run in the Big Ten would be playing out if they were just able to put teams away.

The Trojans are fifth in the conference scoring 30.3 points per game, and their passing attack, behind pivot Junior Miller Moss, churns out 288.6 pass yards per contest, good for 22nd in the nation.

But USC hasn’t been able to get either the final dagger score or a crucial stop this season. Last game was a recurring theme: the Trojans blew a 21-7 lead and lost 29-28 to Maryland, who had yet to win a Big Ten game.

The defense allowed the Terrapins to throw for 373 yards in the comeback win.

The Trojans have lost four games on the year, including the last three, after being ahead at the half in every game.

Homecoming heroics. What a victory by ⁦@TerpsFootball⁩ over USC after trailing by 2 TDs in the 4th quarter. Billy Edwards, Jr. gave the Terps the lead with :57 to go. ⁦@mymcmedia⁩ pic.twitter.com/bfrixxa3br

— Joe Yasharoff (@JYash) October 20, 2024

If there’s ever been a get-right opponent for them, it’s probably the Scarlet Knights, who have been absolutely lit on fire the last two games.

Last week, they lost 35-32 to UCLA, surrendering 383 passing yards to the Bruins, who ranked among college football’s worst passing offenses.

Prior to that, Wisconsin crushed them 42-7, running up 300 rush yards with almost zero resistance.

The Scarlet Knights are surrendering 385.3 yards of offense per game on the season, a lowly 90th in college football, and surrendering 22.3 points per contest, they are fourth-worst at points allowed in the Big Ten.

One way Rutgers could keep it close is if it can get the run game going. Powered by senior RB Kyle Monangai, who has totaled 845 rush yards and 10 TD’s on the year, the Scarlet Knights put up 190.3 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 38th.

USC is middle of the pack in run defense, allowing 138.1 yards per game.

Rutgers vs USC Prediction

Travel had to play a part in this spread, as Rutgers is traveling west across two time zones and will play a game that kicks off at 11pm ET.

The UCLA loss is an offensive outlier for Rutgers, who, prior to that game, had put up just 14 points across its previous two. On the year, the Scarlet Knights had cracked the 20-point plateau just once.

USC has had the far tougher slate, playing three ranked teams, winning one and losing the other two by a field goal each. I like their talent to rise in what should be a mismatch on the West coast.

• Pick: USC -13.5 (-110)

Friday night football is set to be an exciting matchup as Rutgers takes on USC. Both teams are coming off strong performances in their previous games and will be looking to continue their winning streaks.

Rutgers, coming off a dominant win against their last opponent, will be looking to carry that momentum into this game. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, led by quarterback Johnny Smith who has been making big plays all season. The defense has also been solid, shutting down opposing offenses and creating turnovers.

On the other side, USC is coming off a close victory in their last game and will be looking to build on that success. Their offense has been explosive, with running back Marcus Johnson leading the charge with his speed and agility. The defense has also been strong, with linebacker Sarah Thompson leading the team in tackles and sacks.

In terms of predictions for this game, it’s shaping up to be a close matchup. Both teams have strong offenses and defenses, so it could come down to who makes the fewest mistakes. Rutgers may have a slight edge with their momentum and home field advantage, but USC is a tough opponent and should not be underestimated.

As for props and odds, Rutgers is currently favored by 3 points according to most sportsbooks. The over/under for total points scored is set at 45.5, indicating that it could be a low-scoring game. Some key prop bets to keep an eye on include which team will score first, total passing yards for each quarterback, and total rushing yards for each running back.

Overall, Friday night football is sure to be an exciting matchup between Rutgers and USC. Both teams have the talent and motivation to come out on top, so it should be a game worth watching. Be sure to tune in and see who comes out victorious in this highly anticipated showdown.