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Northwestern (5-3) at USC (6-2)
- When: Nov 7 2025, 9:00 PM
- Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
- Where to watch: FOX
Northwestern vs (19) USC Preview & Prediction
Spread: USC -15.0
Moneyline: USC (-700)
Total: 51.0
Two historic programs meet Friday night at the Coliseum as Southern California looks to stay alive in the Big Ten title chase while Northwestern tries to play spoiler.
Southern California Trojans Betting Outlook
The Trojans return home after a grind-it-out 21-17 win over Nebraska, a game that was anything but pretty but still kept them in the playoff mix. Quarterback Jayden Maiava had his quietest outing of the season with just 135 passing yards, but USC’s rushing attack carried the load.
Running back King Miller ran wild for 129 yards on 18 carries, giving the Trojans the power element they needed against a tough Cornhuskers defense. That balance is exactly what head coach Lincoln Riley wants heading into the final stretch.
USC’s defense, often the weak spot in recent seasons, has steadied enough to give them a fighting chance in close games. They’ve held opponents to 25 points or fewer in back-to-back matchups, and the secondary has tightened up under pressure.
Northwestern Wildcats Betting Outlook
Northwestern enters this matchup rested after a bye week and eager to rebound from a 28-21 loss to Nebraska. Before that, the Wildcats had quietly won four straight by suffocating teams defensively. Their disciplined, methodical style keeps games close even when their offense struggles to find rhythm.
The Wildcats’ defense allows just 16.8 points per game, ranking among the best in the country. Linebackers lead the charge with physicality and smarts, but they’ve yet to face a team as deep and dynamic as USC. Offensively, Northwestern relies on time-of-possession football and short-field opportunities. That won’t be easy to execute in Los Angeles.
Prediction & Betting Angle
USC’s firepower and home-field advantage should eventually wear down Northwestern’s defense, even if the first half feels like a chess match. Expect the Trojans to lean on the run again before opening things up through the air once the Wildcats fade. The Trojans keep their playoff hopes alive with a convincing win. Bet USC -15 and lean Under 51.0 as the defenses hold firm early before USC pulls away.
Final Score: USC 34, Northwestern 15
Lean: USC -15.0
Total: Under 51.0
- NCAA Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
