Utah vs. USC Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 8

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19 October 2023

Utah vs. USC Predictions, Picks & Odds Week 8

The USC Trojans host the Utah Utes in a rematch of last year's Pac-12 Championship Game, and our top Utah vs. USC prediction favors the home team in front of its fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. All our college football picks are based on the most favorable NCAAF odds from our best sports betting apps.

The matchup between No. 14 Utah and No. 18 USC is one of four games featuring two ranked programs in Week 8. USC quarterback Caleb Williams’ Heisman Trophy odds took a massive hit after the team’s 48-20 loss to Notre Dame, as he went from +145 before the game at DraftKings to +1400 after.

After their first loss of the season against Oregon State in Week 5, Utah rebounded with a 34-14 statement win over California after its Week 6 bye. The Utes also secured a commanding 47-24 win against USC in last year's Pac-12 Championship Game.

As part of our college football predictions for Week 8, we make our best Utah vs. USC prediction and give our college football picks (odds via our best college football betting sites; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).

Utah vs. USC prediction: Week 8

Utah holds one conference loss entering this matchup. It likely believes it is playing for its Pac-12 Championship Game hopes, as a second loss would make it challenging for the Utes to defend last year’s title, especially since the conference no longer follows a two-division format. Either USC or Utah has featured in the previous six Pac-12 Championship Games, and we anticipate the Trojans will take a significant stride towards securing their spot for a seventh consecutive appearance with a substantial win over the Utes.

USCis the third Top-10 team in the AP Poll era (since 1936) to allow 40+ points inthree consecutive games. And while Utah comes into this matchup having rushedfor 317 yards against California, which was 63 more yards than the Golden Bearshad in total, this Utes offense is not nearly as explosive as the one theTrojans faced last year with Cam Rising under center.

Utahranks 102nd in Offense Success Rate and 116th in Explosiveness, so it shouldnot exploit USC’s leaky defense, especially one that ranks a respectable 44thin Defensive Rushing Success Rate. Caleb Williams should also look much morecomfortable at home in warm weather than in the cold in South Bend, as he threwmore interceptions (three) than any game prior in his career.

Manywill blindly bet on Utah, citing its 23-point romp in last year’s conferencechampionship. But lost amid that final score is the fact that USC raced out toa 17-3 lead, and the wheels fell off after Williams sustained multiple injuriesthat hampered him for the rest of the game. While he battled injuries for overhalf the game, Williams still finished with nearly 400 all-purpose yardsagainst a stout Utah defense.

Sowhile the Utes’ 73 points allowed through six games is their fewest since 1994,they do not have the offense to keep up with a mad Heisman Trophy winnerlooking for redemption.

Thisis a three-star play, as USC is 8-1 ATS in its last nine home games againstAP-ranked teams.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Not intended for use in MA.

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Utah vs. USC best odds

Caesarsis our go-to shop as USC backers, as it is one of two of our best sports betting sites under the key number of 7, but the only one charging a standard price of-110 to back the favorites.

This would not be a play at -7 or higher, so besure to take advantage of the -6.5 point spread anywhere you can find it.

Utah vs. USC odds

Anymovement on the point spread thus far has gone in USC’s direction. The Trojanswent from -3.5 at FanDuel on Sunday afternoon to -5.5 by the end of the day,and the spread still rose another point from there. USC also went from -5.5 to-7 at BetMGM, and the spread reached -7 at Caesars from an opening of -5.5before ticking down a half-point. Early spread wagers are split 59/41 insupport of the Trojans.

FanDuelis the only sportsbook offering a total of 55.5, as all others are in unison at56. FanDuel has seen the biggest movement to this point, plummeting from anopening number of 57.5 on Sunday morning. Sharp action is likely driving thenumber down at our best sports betting apps, as early wagers are 3/1 in support of the Over.

The Over is 14-1in USC’s last 15 games.