A fun Pac-12 after dark matchup is on the schedule for Saturday, November 21, 2020, when the #20 USC Trojans (2-0) visit the Utah Utes (0-0). USC is tied for the Pac – 12 South lead and Utah is finally ready to get their season started after having their first two games postponed. This game will air live on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. EST.
Through two games, the USC offense is averaging 31.5 points per game and 527.0 yards per game, 353.0 through the air and 174.0 on the ground. Markese Stepp leads the team with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown leads the team with 14 receptions for 213 yards. Defensively, the Trojans are allowing 38.5 points and 418.0 yards, 210.0 passing and 208.0 rushing.
Last season, the Utah Utes were picked to finish first in the Pac-12 preseason poll and that is exactly what they did after an 11-3 overall record and an 8-1 Pac-12 record. Utah’s only regular season loss was to USC, but they ended the season with two straight losses, a loss to Oregon in the Pac-12 Championship and a loss to Texas in the Alamo Bowl.
Below is my pick for the #20 USC Trojans at Utah Utes. All odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/utah” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]#20 USC Trojans (-2.5) at Utah Utes: O/U 56.5 (-117/-105)
Last time out, USC visited the Arizona Wildcats and came away with another last second win, winning this one 34-30. This was a fantastic game that saw seven lead changes, three ties, and ended with a n USC touchdown with 25 seconds remaining. QB Kedon Slovis went 30/43 for 325 yards, one touchdown, and zero interception on the day. Markese Stepp and Stephen Carr combined for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Tyler Vaughns combined for 14 receptions for 203 yards on the day. The USC defense gave up 444 total yards and forced one Arizona interception.
Utah is returning four of their offensive linemen and it will be the strongpoint of their offense this season. No lineman is as dominant as tackle Nick Ford and he will be joined by tackle Simi Moala and center Orlando Umana. The weapons for Utah will be led by WR/KR Britain Covey and tight end Brant Kuithe. Defensively, the Utes will be led by line backers David Lloyd and Andrew Mata’afa and defensive linemen Mike Tafua and Viane Moala.
Series History: USC won the meeting last season and extended their series lead to 12-6.
Free Pick: This is a tough one, but I am expecting a lot of rust from Utah Saturday night. Give me USC -2.5.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 34-23