San Jose State vs. USC Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: College Football Week 0 Odds
My best San Jose State vs. USC prediction for the Week 0 clash at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles focuses on No. 14 USC's high-powered offense. Last season, USC played two games against non-power conference teams, scoring at least 59 points in each contest. San Jose State went just 3-9 last season, with four losses by 22 or more points.
USC is favored by 38.5 points ahead of Saturday's 3 p.m. ET game. The contest will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
🏈 San Jose State vs. USC picks & odds: Week 0
See the latest college football odds and our college football picks.
| 💰 Pick | ⚖️ Units | 🧠 Why I bet this |
|---|---|---|
| USC -38.5 (-118 via DraftKings) | 1.5u → 1.27u | USC returns quarterback Jayden Maiava and running back Waymond Jordan to face last season's 115th-ranked scoring defense. |
| Over 61.5 (-110 via FanDuel) | 1u → 0.91u | USC's offense scored at least 59 in both games against non-power conference teams last season. |
| Waymond Jordan 2+ touchdowns (+185 via DraftKings) | 1u → 1.85u | Jordan scored five touchdowns in six games last year, and San Jose State allowed 25 rushing scores. |
Total wagered: 3.5 units | Max profit: 4.03 units
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💰 San Jose State vs. USC prediction & best bet
USC -38.5 (-118)
It's a new year, but it's going to take more than one offseason for San Jose State to fix its problems. Last season, San Jose State allowed 390 points, which was tied for 115th in the nation. San Jose State also had the 113th-ranked scoring offense.
With Jayden Maiava returning at quarterback for USC, I don't see how San Jose State keeps up. Last season, USC finished with the fifth-most passing yards and 13th-most points per game. While the defense left something to be desired, San Jose State's offense isn't good enough to pose any real threat.
Score prediction: USC 56 San Jose State 10
🙌 San Jose State vs. USC touchdown scorer prediction
Waymond Jordan to score 2+ touchdowns (+185)
Jordan played in only six games last season. Still, he finished with five rushing touchdowns, and he's USC's starter over King Miller entering Week 0. Jordan's first opponent provides a great opportunity, as they allowed 25 rushing touchdowns a season ago.
However, the price for Jordan to score once is near -300, which is incredibly expensive. In fact, because USC is expected to dominate this game, the Trojans' seven most likely scorers have odds between -110 and -300 to score. There's no real value in any of those plays, which is why I'm backing Jordan to score twice.
🚀 San Jose State vs. USC same-game parlay
While I like USC to cover, I could also see this being a 56-0 game where the Under ends up hitting because San Jose State does nothing. Therefore, instead of parlaying the spread and the total, I'll throw Jordan in to score twice. This brings the price for the parlay to +310, which is better than you'll find for the spread and total parlayed at any sportsbook.
💵 San Jose State vs. USC SGP picks
- USC -38.5
- Waymond Jordan 2+ touchdowns
Best odds: +310 via DraftKings (1u → 3.1u)
💡 How I'm betting San Jose State vs. USC: College football strategy
Want more college football betting advice? Check out all of our college football analysis and expert predictions.
It's hard not to love USC in this game. The question is: How much is San Jose State going to do on Saturday? In my opinion, not much. While I expect them to score a little, I'm only willing to risk one unit on the Over, just in case they do nothing. But I'll risk one unit on USC to cover as massive favorites. I also think the Trojans will look to get Jordan involved a lot after last year's injury, which is why I'm backing him to score twice for a full unit as well.
📊 Live San Jose State vs. USC odds: Week 0
Our live San Jose State vs. USC odds update in real time.
📺 How to watch San Jose State vs. USC: Week 0
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 29
- Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles)
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
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