The USC Trojans visit the Illinois Fighting Illini on Fox Big Noon Saturday. Illinois is coming off a 53-point loss to Indiana, an unexpected event which clearly affected the betting line for this game. We talked about it on our Southern California Football Roundtable:
Trojans Wire writer Adam Bradford wrote (in the article linked to above) that “6.5 points feels too high. I know Illinois got clobbered this past week, but I still do not particularly trust this USC team against a quality opponent, especially on the road. I would not have the Trojans favored by more than a field goal.”
UCLA Wire writer Dylan McNeill had a different opinion. He wrote that “It feels about right. The Trojans are a good team facing a team that just allowed 63 points but they’re traveling a long way and the game will kick off very early for a California-based team. I think both teams are high-variance enough that just about any outcome wouldn’t be surprising but I don’t have any problems with the line sitting at 6.5 in USC’s favor.”
Where do we come down on this debate? Read more to find out:
USC vs Illinois odds, money line, over/under
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Friday, September 26. Follow the game at USA TODAY Sports.
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USC vs Illinois prediction, pick
The line for this game opened at USC -6.5, and it has not budged over the course of the week. USC certainly appears to be better on paper, but Illinois will be motivated for this game and has a lot to prove after being humiliated by Indiana. Illinois is missing multiple starters in the secondary, which should enable USC to throw the ball for big plays. However, USC’s offensive line has to control its matchup in order for Jayden Maiava to have enough time to throw.
USC’s defense has been very inconsistent. The Trojans need to show they can lock down a limited opponent. We’re not sure they deserve the benefit of the doubt. The game should come very close to the total. Pass on that one. The spread is also a tough call, and we frankly think you shouldn’t bet on this game, but the lean is to Illinois.
USC fans, if you’re angry that we’re taking Illinois against the spread, do keep in mind that USC has not covered the spread each of the past two weeks against Purdue and Michigan State.
Prediction: USC 31, Illinois 27
Best Bet: Illinois +6.5
USC vs Illinois channel, start time, streaming
Time: 12:10 p.m. ET, 9:10 a.m. PT
TV Channel: Fox
Live Stream: Fubo TV
Stream USC vs Illinois
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: USC vs Illinois predictions, picks, odds: Who wins Week 5 college football game?
Reporting by Matt Zemek / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
