In this article we will formulate a USC vs Louisiana prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, September 12th at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 2 matchup.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans are 2-0 this season after they defeated Fresno State by a score of 39-0 in week one. USC led 30-0 at halftime and they added nine points in the second half in the shutout win. The Trojans out gained Fresno State by a total of 552-116, went 5-8 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at two in the game. Jayden Maiava threw for 349 yards and three touchdowns, while Trent Mosley caught four passes for 104 yards and two scores. Waymond Jordan rushed 11 times for 67 yards and one touchdown in the win.
Prior to that game, USC defeated San Jose State by a score of 42-26 in week zero. USC led 28-0 at halftime, but they allowed 26 points in the second half in the win. The Trojans out gained SJSU by a total of 505-336, went 9-13 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 1-0 in the game. Maiava threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns, while Trent Mosley caught seven passes for 118 yards and one score in the game.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview
The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns are 1-0 this year after they defeated Lamar by a score of 38-7 last week. Louisiana led 28-0 at halftime and cruised to the easy win in the second half. The Ragin’ Cajuns out gained Lamar by a total of 474-205, went 3-8 on third downs, and won the turnover battle by a total of 4-3 in the game. Lunch Winfield threw for 189 yards and two interceptions, while Caden Jensen caught five passes for 77 yards. Darrell Smith rushed 10 times for 84 yards and two scores in the win.
Last year, Louisiana went 6-7 (5-3) and they finished tied for second in the Sun Belt West standings. Louisiana opened the season with a 14-12 loss against Rice, but did beat McNeese by a score of 34-10 after that. The Ragin’ Cajuns were just 2-6 through eight games, but they won four games in a row to end the regular season, before losing to Delaware by a score of 20-13 in the 68 Ventures Bowl.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- USC has won each of its last 18 home games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
- Louisiana has lost four of its last five road openers.
- USC has covered the spread in each of its last seven September home games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Louisiana has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road openers.
- USC has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games against non-conference opponents at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
- USC has won the first quarter in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.
Why the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will win
- Louisiana has won each of its last three games as an underdog.
- USC has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games.
- The underdog has covered the spread in five of Louisiana’s last six games.
- Louisiana has won the first half in three of its last four September games as a road underdog.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Louisiana’s last six September games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.
- Four of USC’s last five games against non-conference opponents at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum have gone OVER the total points line.
USC Trojans Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Jayden Maiava ranks 1st amongst FBS players for passing yards (635) this season.
Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 2, Teddy Gawlik ranks T1st amongst qualified players for catch rate (100.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- USC ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Louisiana ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q1 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Louisiana ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q2 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
USC vs Louisiana Prediction
USC comes into this matchup as another huge favorite, as they continue their very soft non-conference schedule. The Trojans dominated Fresno State last week and the defense played a full 60 minutes. Louisiana did get a win last week as well, but this is a big difference in competition. I don’t see how ULL is going to move the ball in this game, while I also struggle to see them getting many stops. Take USC to win big at home.