Week 8 Predictions: Utah Utes vs USC (10/21/2023)

• Game: Utah Utes vs USC Trojans
• Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023
• Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA
• TV: FOX
• Odds/Point Spread: Trojans (-7)
• Total/Over-Under: 56.5

The Utah Utes (5-1) take on the USC Trojans (6-1) in an exciting college football matchup at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The Trojans are favored by 7 points in this game, and the over-under is set at 56.5.

The Utah Utes have had a successful season so far with a 5-1 record. In their previous game against the California Golden Bears, the Utes came out with a dominant 34-14 victory. Sione Vaki led the ground game for Utah with 158 yards on 15 carries. Quarterback Bryson Barnes completed 15 of 21 passes for 128 yards and had a quarterback rating of 122.6. The Utes’ defense held the Golden Bears to 66 rushing yards on 24 attempts and 188 passing yards on 15 completions. Overall, the Utes gained 445 yards on 75 plays and rushed for 317 yards on 53 carries.

The Utah Utes have been averaging 21.7 points per game this season and have a strong rushing attack, averaging 172.7 yards per game on the ground. They have accumulated a total of 1,933 yards in their six games played. Utah has scored 4 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. Defensively, the Utes are ranked 5th in the nation, allowing only 12.2 points per game. They have given up an average of 2.5 yards per rush and 66.8 rushing yards per game. Through the air, they have allowed 211.0 passing yards per game and have a completion percentage against of 52.9%. Overall, the Utes have given up 277.8 yards per game.

“NCAAFB Odds, Lines & Scores – Click Here“

The USC Trojans enter this game with a 6-1 record. In their previous matchup against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Trojans suffered a 48-20 loss. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw for 199 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions. Marshawn Lloyd led the rushing attack with 46 yards on 8 carries. USC gained a total of 302 yards on 74 plays. Their defense allowed 126 passing yards on a 65.0% completion rate and 125 rushing yards on 29 carries.

Offensively, the Trojans have been one of the top-scoring teams in the nation, averaging 47.3 points per game. They have a total offense of 491.7 yards per game, with 332.9 passing yards and 158.9 rushing yards. Defensively, the Trojans have allowed an average of 30.0 points per game. They have given up 152.4 rushing yards per game and 244.6 passing yards per game. The Trojans have surrendered a total of 210 points this season.

In this matchup, the USC Trojans are favored by 7 points. However, based on Utah’s strong rushing attack and solid defensive performance, I predict that the Utah Utes will cover the spread.

The Pick: Utah (#14)   7.0 (-115)