Utah State and USC collide for the first time in almost eight years. USC won that last meeting 45-7 on September 10, 2016 at home.
Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Over 63 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Utah State vs. USC
Saturday, September 07, 2024 – 11:00 PM ET at os Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Utah State Could Be Without Spencer Petras
In Nate Dreiling’s first game as head coach, the Utah State Aggies claimed a dominant 36-14 victory over the Robert Morris Colonials on Saturday. Despite a slow start, the Aggies took control in the second half, outscoring their opponent 26-0.
Utah State’s offense was dynamic, piling up 646 total yards, though they struggled with ball security, losing the turnover battle 3-1 and maintaining possession for just 25:38.
On defense, they gave up 362 yards—225 through the air and 137 on the ground, averaging four yards per carry—while committing 10 penalties for 105 yards. These are areas Dreiling and his staff will need to focus on moving forward.
The win came with a significant loss as junior running back Robert Briggs Jr. suffered a season-ending broken leg after rushing nine times for 88 yards. Senior quarterback Spencer Petras, an Iowa transfer, completed 10 of 15 passes for 145 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions before leaving the game in the second quarter with a sprained ankle.
Dreiling has labeled Petras “day-to-day,” with his Week 2 status uncertain. Should he be unavailable, junior Bryson Barnes, a transfer from Utah, is poised to step in. Barnes finished Week 1 with 11 completions on 21 attempts for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while adding 88 rushing yards and a touchdown on five carries.
USC Shocks LSU
Meanwhile, the USC Trojans kicked off their 2024 season with an exciting 27-20 victory over LSU on Sunday in Las Vegas. Making their Big Ten debut, the Trojans accumulated 450 total yards, narrowly outgaining LSU’s 421, and sealed the win with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including Woody Marks’ game-winning 13-yard run with eight seconds left.
Junior quarterback Miller Moss was sharp, connecting on 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and a touchdown. Marks chipped in with 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, while Kyron Hudson had five catches for 83 yards.
Despite not recording a sack and managing just three tackles for loss, USC forced an interception and took advantage of LSU’s 10 penalties for 99 yards. Their depth was on display, with six players tallying at least 45 receiving yards.
NCAAF Pick
Looking ahead, USC’s offensive firepower will be crucial as they prepare to host Utah State, a team that has given up 41 or more points in three of their last six games. With both teams boasting high-powered offenses, expect a shootout.
NCAAF Pick: Over 63 (-110) at Bet365
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