In this article we will formulate a USC vs Northwestern prediction for this College Football game on Friday, November 7th at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 11 matchup.
USC Trojans Betting Preview
The USC Trojans are 6-2 (4-1) this season after they defeated Nebraska by a score of 21-17 last week. USC trailed 14-6 at halftime, but they took advantage of Raiola’s injury and ended up with the comeback win. The Trojans out gained Nebraska by a total of 337-286, went 6-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Jayden Maiava went 9-23 for 135 yards and one interception, while King Miller rushed 18 times for 129 yards and one score. Jaden Richardson led the receivers with one reception for 43 yards in the game. The USC defense recorded one sack and five tackles for loss in the win.
Prior to that game, USC lost to Notre Dame by a score of 34-24, but did beat Michigan by a score of 31-13 before that. The Trojans have alternated wins and losses over their last five games and they are currently tied for fourth in the Big Ten standings. USC has scored 39.8 points per game with 302.3 passing yards and 203.6 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 22.4 points against per game this season. Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,315 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions, while Makai Lemon has 50 receptions for 776 yards and six scores this season.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Preview
The Northwestern Wildcats are 5-3 (3-2) this year after they lost to Nebraska by a score of 28-21 in their last game. Northwestern trailed 7-6 at halftime, but they tied the game at 21 in the fourth, before losing with less than three minutes left. The Wildcats out gained Nebraska by a total of 331-296, went 7-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at two in the game. Preston Stone went 15-29 for 159 yards and two interceptions, while Caleb Komolafe rushed 17 times for 125 yards and two scores. Griffin Wilde led the receivers with three catches for 54 yards in the loss. The NW defense recorded one sack and four tackles for loss in the game.
Prior to that game, Northwestern defeated Purdue by a score of 19-0 and Penn State by a score of 22-21. The Wildcats have won four of their last five games and they are currently tied for eighth in the Big Ten standings. Northwestern has scored 22.5 points per game with 172.4 passing yards and 187.9 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 16.8 points against per game this season. Preston Stone has thrown for 1,372 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Griffin Wilde has 39 receptions for 570 yards and four scores this year.
Why the USC Trojans will win
- Northwestern has lost each of its last 12 games against AP-ranked teams.
- USC has won 17 of its last 18 home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- USC has covered the spread in eight of its last nine games as a favorite in California.
- Northwestern has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four road games.
- Northwestern has lost the first half in four of its last five road games against conference opponents.
- USC has won the first quarter in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of USC’s last five November games as a favorite have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Northwestern’s last four games against teams from California have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- USC ranks 2nd among FBS teams for yards per game this season (505.9).
- USC ranks 2nd among FBS teams for red zone percentage against this season (60.0).
- Northwestern ranks 6th among FBS teams for time of possession per game this season (33:23).
- Northwestern ranks T13th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (16.8).
USC vs Northwestern Prediction
USC was lucky to get the win last week at Nebraska, as they took advantage of the injury to Nebraska’s quarterback, but a win is a win. The Trojans have had some issues on defense this season, but their offense has been very good, especially at home. Northwestern has won four of their last five games, but I don’t think they are going to keep this one close. The Wildcats have a lower scoring offense and it won’t be able to keep pace with USC’s style, especially once USC jumps out in front. Take the Trojans to cover at home.
David Racey is 104-85 (55%) in College Football this season and is one of the top College Football Handicappers on the site. Click here for his premium plays for the week!