USC Trojans (3-0) vs. Rutgers Scarlet Knights (0-2)
September 19, 2026 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Rutgers Scarlet Knights +24.5; Over/Under: 57.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The USC Trojans and the Rutgers Scarlet Knights meet Saturday in college football action from SHI Stadium in Piscataway. Here’s a Rutgers vs USC prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Rutgers vs USC pick.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The Trojans have three games in the can so far. First was a home matchup versus San Jose State back on August 29. USC scored in every quarter (with 21 in the second) during a 42-26 win. In game two versus Fresno State the Trojans did even better. USC notched 23 points in the second quarter (and scored in all of them again) along the way to a 39-0 shutout victory.
In game three versus Louisiana, USC held a 28-10 lead by halftime. The Trojans eventually scored in every quarter—and gave up points in every quarter—along the way to a 49-30 win. QB Jayden Maiava was 19-of-29 for 261 yards, five scores and an interception. King Miller was the top rusher on the team in the win with his 18 carries for 128 yards and a score.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Preview
Over on the Rutgers side, they kicked things off with a matchup versus UMass. The Knights were down 27-7 by the end of the third quarter and couldn’t get much closer in a 37-21 loss at home. QB Dylan Lonergan was 16-of-29 for 242 yards, two touchdowns and three picks in the losing effort. KJ Duff was busy on nine catches for 196 yards and all three touchdowns in the defeat.
Matched up against Boston College last Friday, the Knights were trailing by six points heading into the final frame. Rutgers was outscored 8-7 from there in a 28-21 loss. QB AJ Surace was 18-of-27 for 230 yards, three scores and four picks, and Antwan Raymond had 27 carries for 134 yards. Duff led the receivers again with eight grabs for 137 yards and two scores.
USC Trojans @ Rutgers Scarlet Knights Betting Trends: Week 3
Rutgers Scarlet Knights Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, KJ Duff ranks T1st amongst FBS players for receiving touchdowns (5) this season.
USC Trojans Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 3, Jayden Maiava ranks 1st amongst FBS players for passing yards (896) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- Rutgers ranks T5th among FBS teams for sacks this season (8.0).
- Rutgers ranks 132nd among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (57.1).
- USC has recorded the most home wins by a margin of 10+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
- USC has recorded the most home wins by a margin of 15+ points of any FBS team this season (3).
Rutgers vs USC Prediction
I’ll lean toward USC. The Trojans had their offense clicking in the win over Louisiana, posting 483 yards (214 rushing), 6.8 yards per play, 25 first downs and a very nice 11-of-15 success rate on third downs. The defense gave up just 3-of-10 on third downs with 6.9 yards per play and 358 total yards (212 passing) allowed. That makes 39 or more points in all three games so far for the Trojans.
As for Rutgers, they’re coming off a tough loss to Boston College despite holding the Eagles to just 4-of-12 on third downs alongside three takeaways. The offense’s four interceptions and 4-of-12 performance on third downs themselves really didn’t help. The Knights have a few bright spots (Duff being one of them) on the team and a few things to build on, but I don’t think they’ll right the ship here.
