COLLEGE FOOTBALL
USC comes in at 4-1 with a high-powered offense that has produced 199 points, 1,625 passing yards, and 822 rushing yards through five games, while Washington is 3-1 with 112 points, 1,154 passing yards, and 429 rushing yards through four games. The Trojans have been more explosive through the air at 325.0 passing yards per game and have gained 489.4 yards per game overall, while Washington is more controlled at 288.5 passing yards and 395.8 total yards per game. Defensively, Washington has been better on paper, allowing 16.8 points and 4.6 yards per play per game, but USC’s offense has been strong enough to stress defenses that are not efficient enough to dominate consistently. The market profile also points to USC, since Washington has yet to cover a spread this season while USC has struggled against the number despite winning games outright.
USC should win this game and is the better side against the spread, with the Trojans projected to control the scoring pace and finish ahead by two touchdowns. The Trojans’ offense has been more explosive and productive than Washington’s, and while Washington’s defense has been solid, its offensive output has not matched USC’s ceiling. A projected 38-24 result fits both the spread and the total outlook, with USC extending its advantage late and Washington doing enough to contribute to a game that clears the expected scoring range.
