USC and Stanford come into this game with a win in Week 1. Although the Trojans are ranked, and the Cardinal aren’t, USC is only favored by 8.5. Is that line too slim? We’ll dive into it and make some USC vs. Stanford predictions for betting purposes.
USC vs. Stanford Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State | +11 (-115) | +330 | O 57.5 (-110) |
| @ Oklahoma State | -11 (-105) | -410 | U 57.5 (-110) |
Odds via Betway Sportsbook as of 4 p.m. on Sept. 8.
Game Info
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 10
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Stanford Stadium (Stanford, CA)
- TV: ABC
USC vs. Stanford Trends
- USC is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 conference games.
- Stanford is 5-10 ATS in its last 15 conference games.
- USC is 10-7-1 to the Over in its last 18 games.
- As of Thursday afternoon, DraftKings reports that 91% of tickets and 84% of the money are on the favorite USC against the spread.
- DraftKings also reports that 59% of betting tickets and 45% of the handle have selected Under 67 total points.
USC Rolls In Game One Of Lincoln Riley Era
The Trojans were able to come away with 66 points against Rice, including 21 from the defense.
Caleb Williams was very efficient in his Trojans debut, going 19-for-22 for 249 yards and two touchdowns while also leading the team with 68 rushing yards.
He saw the field well throughout and was able to pick apart the defense, and his 86.3 competition rate was the best by a Trojan quarterback with a minimum of 20 attempts since Matt Barkley in 2012. Biletnikoff winner Jordan Addison didn’t have a huge game, but he did record a touchdown and you have to know these two are building towards something special.
Caleb Williams ❌ Jordan Addison connection just getting started at USC 🔥
(via @USC_FB) pic.twitter.com/3qy6xdM6aR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 3, 2022
This should be a good USC team on the ground and in the air.
The running game features great players, including Oregon transfer Travis Dye, Stanford transfer Austin Jones and freshman Raleek Brown. Jones also has an early revenge game that should be fun to watch.
As the competition gets better, these offensive stars will be tested every week.
EJ Smith Has Big Game In Week 1
Stanford also had a warmup against Colgate and an easy 41-10 win.
Great first game for Tanner McKee, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns. McKee was good in 2021, especially for someone who lost a ton of his offensive weapons due to injuries, a bad offensive line, and even a worse defense. With his full lineup back, he spread the ball around and got big gains as a result.
The highlights came from EJ Smith, who shined with 118 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries. You might say he was born to be a running back.
Emmitt Smith’s son EJ taking it to the HOUSE 😮💨 (via @StanfordFball)pic.twitter.com/DZTzxVtGIb
— Overtime (@overtime) September 4, 2022
He’s another essential piece of that Cardinal offense that missed time last year due to injury, and if they can keep him in the lineup, then it would alleviate pressure from McKee and the passing game.
USC vs. Stanford Predictions
While you look at USC/Rice stat sheet, don’t get mesmerized by the Trojans’ three touchdowns off interceptions. That was against two inexperienced quarterbacks on a team that finished ninth from the bottom in the ESPN FPI index last year.
The Trojans’ run defense got wrecked for 146 yards and 4.3 yards per carry last week. EJ Smith is salivating at this opportunity, so look out for him to come away with some big numbers.
Stanford will put some points, but they don’t have the talent to get into a shootout with USC and come away with the upset. Look for the Trojans to outscore their way to the cover.
Pick: USC -8.5 | -115 at Betway Sportsbook