USC vs Utah Prediction: Against the Spread Best Bet, Week 7

This season I'll be breaking down college football's biggest games and giving out bets from each one. This week's game is a Pac-12 showdown between USC and Utah.

USC vs Utah is a best bet for the Week 7 game. Take USC at +3.5 points against the spread and take the under at 65 points.

USC runs a balanced offense with an even 50/50 run-pass split in neutral game situations. The Trojans are more explosive when Caleb Williams gets the passing game rolling.

USC's offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Williams. Utah's pass rush should be able to generate consistent pressure. USC's rushing attack will be led by Travis Dye and Austin Jones. Utah has contacted ball carriers at or behind the line of scrimmage 34.7% of the time.

USC has 48.7% completion rate, 5.4 yards per attempt and 31% success rate based on EPA.

Utah's rushing attack will be key to slowing down USC's defense. Utah runs into stacked boxes at the 11th-highest rate in FBS.

USC's run defense ranks 123rd in yards per attempt allowed with a stacked box and 126th in opponent-adjusted yards before contact allowed. If Utah falls behind and is forced to rely on the passing game, the edge shifts to USC's defense.

The team ranked 123rd in yards per attempt allowed with a stacked box and 126th in opponent-adjusted yards before contact allowed.

Utah and USC are going to play each other in the week 7 game. Utah's pass protection ranks 79th in opponent-adjusted pressure rate allowed and 18th overall.

Utah ranks 79th in opponent-adjusted pressure rate allowed. USC ranks 18th.

USC has some clear advantages on offense. If the Trojans can build a lead and force Utah to play from behind, the Utes can't compete. Under 65 points is a good bet for this game.