Caleb Williams and USC were embarrassed last week against Notre Dame.
Not only did the Trojans lose by four touchdowns, but Williams threw a trio of interceptions and the offense scored just 20 points – its lowest output of the season.
I’m expecting the Trojans to bounce back in a big way and am betting Utah vs. USC to go over the 56-point total.
All seven of USC’s games this season have gone over this number.
Additionally, the Trojans will want revenge against a Utah team they lost to twice last season, including once in the Pac-12 Championship Game.
Yes, there were different players on the field, but for what it’s worth, both of those games also went over 56 points.
USC’s offense, especially at home, isn’t going to turn the ball over five times again.
The Utes have the best defense USC has played this season, but the Trojans’ offense simply has too much firepower to be shut down in back-to-back weeks.
Despite his struggles against Notre Dame, Williams was responsible for at least four touchdowns in each of USC’s other six games.
The Trojans also have a pair of receivers – Tahj Washington and Brenden Rice – each averaging more than 19 yards per reception, and two more – Mario Williams and Zachariah Branch – averaging more than 10 yards per catch.
Loaded with playmakers, USC is averaging 47.3 points per game.
Give Notre Dame credit for holding the Trojans to 20 points, but I’m willing to bet that won’t happen again.
I’m confident USC’s offense will hold up its end of the bargain, but will Utah’s?
USC’s defense is giving up an average of 30 points per game this season and has surrendered more than 40 points in three straight weeks.
The bad news is Utah ranks 11th in the Pac-12 in points per game (21.7). The good news is the Utes, after combining off a bye week, turned in their best offensive performance of the season last Saturday.
Perhaps the Utes figured something out during their bye and will be able to carry over the momentum they generated last week against Cal (34 points and 445 total yards).
After rotating quarterbacks over the first five weeks, Utah has seemingly settled on Bryson Barnes.
The junior didn’t put up elite numbers against Cal (15-for-21, 128 yards and a rushing touchdown), but the continuity of having one quarterback seemed to help the offense as a whole.
The caveat to all this, of course, is Cam Rising, who’s status for this game is still up in the air.
Betting on College Football?
The Utes are contemplating a redshirt year for their injured star quarterback, and I’m expecting him to be out again.
However, if he plays, that raises Utah’s ceiling and certainly helps this bet.
Utah’s offense showed signs of life last week and should have success against a USC defense that hasn’t stopped anyone.
That, paired with a USC offense that is among the best in the country in numerous metrics and will be motivated to get back on track, has me excited about playing this over.
The pick: Over 56 total points
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