The USC Trojans and Cal Golden Bears meet Saturday in week 9 college football action at California Memorial Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

USC Trojans Betting Preview 

The USC Trojans look for their third road win to rebound from back-to-back losses. USC has won 6 of its last 8 road games. Caleb Williams is completing 70 percent of his passes for 2,277 yards, 23 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice have combined for 1,095 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, while Mario Williams has 24 receptions. The USC Trojans ground game is averaging 157.1 yards per contest, and MarShawn Lloyd leads the way with 651 yards and 6 touchdowns. Defensively, USC is allowing 30.5 points and 407.9 yards per game. Jaylin Smith leads the USC Trojans with 46 tackles, Jamil Muhammad has 6 sacks and Calen Bullock has 2 interceptions.

USC Trojans Team Facts

• USC has won each of its last 15 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• USC has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games.
• USC has won the first half in four of its last five road games against conference opponents.
• Fifteen of USC’s last 16 games have gone OVER the total points line.

Cal Golden Bears Betting Preview 

The Cal Golden Bears look for their third home win to get back to a .500 record. Cal has lost 4 of its last 6 home games. Ben Finley is completing 58.1 percent of his passes for 572 yards, 3 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Jeremiah Hunter and Taj Davis have combined for 636 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns, while Trond Grizzell has 16 receptions. The Cal Golden Bears ground game is averaging 195.4 yards per contest, and Jaydn Ott leads the way with 602 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, Cal is allowing 31.1 points and 392.1 yards per game. Kaleb Elarms-Orr leads the Cal Golden Bears with 60 tackles, Xavier Carlton has 2 sacks and Nohl Williams has 2 interceptions.

California Golden Bears Team Facts

• The favorite has won each of California’s last 13 games.
• California has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five games.
• California has lost the first half in 11 of its last 13 games against conference opponents.
• Five of California’s last six games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• USC rank 3rd among FBS teams for points per game this season (45.4).
• USC has recorded the equal-most home wins by a margin of 40+ points of any FBS team this season (2).

Randy’s Pick

The USC Trojans are the more talented, deeper team, so a blowout win wouldn’t be surprising. However, neither of these teams play defense, and it doesn’t help that Caleb Williams looked depressed on the sidelines after that loss to Utah. USC could unravel with its playoff hopes all but crushed. The Cal Golden Bears have a top-20 rushing attack and have had an extra week to prepare for this contest. Some players on USC could be checking out with preseason goals dashed at this point. Give me Cal and the free points.