The Penn State Nittany Lions can’t afford to overlook the USC Trojans as they focus on the more favorable stretch of their schedule. While a loss this season might not completely derail PSU’s playoff hopes, a defeat to this USC squad could make that path much tougher.
Our Penn State vs. USC prediction breaks down exactly why this matchup is so critical.
Penn State vs. USC Betting Preview
All Penn State vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. The CFN spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Penn State -7.5 - Spread
Penn State -3.5 - Moneyline
Penn State -180, USC +150 - Over/Under
51.5 points - Game Time
Oct. 12, 3:30 p.m. ET - Location
LA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, Calif. - Predicted Weather at Kick
79 degrees, sunny, five mph winds - How To Watch
CBS
College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter differs from Vegas quite significantly here, perhaps because bettors are fading James Franklin in a big game. After the line initially began to move in Penn State’s favor, it shifted and has moved significantly towards USC, settling at -3.5 for the Nittany Lions, as of this writing.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Bettors are less likely to back Franklin in big games for historic purposes, but it’s clear where the talent lies on these two rosters.
Prediction for Penn State vs. USC
Unfortunately, Penn State’s struggles in big games will remain a topic of conversation until the Nittany Lions can break through and secure a spot in the College Football Playoff.
On the field, this matchup hinges on USC’s offensive line. So far this season, their tackles have been downright abysmal. Meanwhile, Abdul Carter and Dani Dennis-Sutton have been standout performers for Penn State.
If Franklin doesn’t unleash Carter as an edge rusher in this game, it would be a shock.
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USC’s offensive tackles have allowed 34 pressures this season, several of which have resulted in Miller Moss turnovers. The Trojans’ ball security issues have been costly, playing a direct role in their recent loss to Minnesota.
On the other side of the ball, USC’s defense has shown remarkable improvement, especially in second halves. While Lincoln Riley has had his own struggles in big games, I find it easier to trust him over James Franklin, whose offense—after a promising start—has faltered in recent weeks.
In the end, I have to side against the Nittany Lions here until they prove me wrong.
Prediction: USC 27, Penn State 24
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