USC vs. Rutgers Prediction: Week 3 Odds, Picks & Best Bet
My best USC vs. Rutgers prediction focuses on No. 12 USC's high-powered offense taking advantage of Rutgers' weak defense and turnover troubles. USC's offense has cruised through three games, so it's no surprise to see the Trojans as a 24.5-point betting favorite.
Below, I explain how USC's offense will lead to this being one of the highest-scoring games of the week. Saturday's 3:30 p.m. ET game will be played at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, N.J. It will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
🏈 USC vs. Rutgers picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 3 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Bet size |
|---|---|
| ATS: Rutgers +24.5 (-118 via FanDuel) | 1 unit to win 0.85 units |
| O/U: Over 59.5 (-110 via FanDuel) | 2 units to win 1.82 units |
Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: 2.67 units
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💰 USC vs. Rutgers prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Over 59.5 (-110 via FanDuel)
Though USC hasn't played any power conference teams, through three weeks, the offense looks as good as advertised. USC has scored at least 39 points in all three contests, and there's no reason to think that streak will end this week against a Rutgers defense that allowed 37 points to UMass.
However, with the exception of a 39-0 win over Fresno State, USC's defense has eased up late in games, allowing 26 points to San Jose State and 30 to Louisiana. While 36 of these 56 points were allowed in the fourth quarter with USC already well on its way to victory, I see a similar situation unfolding Saturday, as USC blows out Rutgers early before resting key players late.
📡 SBR Edge
Three of Rutgers' six touchdowns this season have been scored in the second half, with the team down by multiple scores.
Rutgers' turnovers lead to even more USC points
Through two games, Rutgers has a -5 turnover margin, tied for the second-worst in the country. While there is some uncertainty regarding who will start at quarterback, with Dylan Lonergan recovering from an injury, the truth is that it doesn't matter who is under center. Lonergan threw three interceptions in Week 1, and AJ Surace threw four last week.
Giving Jayden Maiava and company more possessions is a recipe for disaster for Rutgers. USC has a -2 turnover margin, so in a matchup that should lead to more possessions than usual, this is a team that could realistically score more than 50 points.
Score prediction: USC 45 Rutgers 21
📊 USC vs. Rutgers odds
See the latest college football odds for every Week 3 matchup.
USC vs. Rutgers opening odds
- Moneyline: USC -2400 | Rutgers +1200
- Spread: USC -24.5 (-110) | Rutgers +24.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: Over 57.5 (-110) | Under 57.5 (-110)
📺 How to watch USC vs. Rutgers: Week 3
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 19
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: SHI Stadium (Piscataway, N.J.)
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+
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Sportsbook Review may receive a commission if you sign up through our links. Not intended for use in MA. Bonuses not applicable in Ontario. 21+ only. (Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
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