The Rutgers Scarlet Knights and USC Trojans are set for their first-ever meeting, and it promises to be an intriguing clash. Both teams enter the game on three-game losing streaks, with just one conference win each to their name.
Check out the latest betting odds, detailed spread analysis, and our top pick in this Rutgers vs. USC preview, as we break down Friday’s fresh Big Ten showdown.
Rutgers vs. USC Betting Preview
All Rutgers vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
USC -6 - Spread
USC -14 - Moneyline
USC -535, Rutgers +400 - Over/Under
56 points - Game Time
11:00 p.m. ET, Friday, Oct. 25 - Location
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, Calif. - Predicted Weather at Kick
63 degrees, 2 mph winds, partly cloudy - How To Watch
Fox
Despite the lackluster play from both teams over the last three weeks, the over is a trendy pick in this one. It has hit in six of Rutgers’ last nine games and 10 of USC’s last 13 at home.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
Moneyline bettors will have to sort through two tough straight-up picks this week, as the Knights are 2-9 in their last 11 on the road and 1-7 in their last eight against Big Ten opponents.
The Trojans haven’t fared much better, going 1-6 in the conference dating back to last season. In terms of the spread, USC has struggled in October, owning a 1-7 ATS record in their previous eight games.
Rutgers’ Winning Probability
If the spread didn’t make it clear, the Knights aren’t expected to leave southern California with a W. In fact, the FPM gives them a 33.6% chance of producing such an outcome. But it’s not all bleak for the Scarlet and Gray, as that’s their lowest win probability across their final five games:
- vs. Minnesota: 50.4%
- at Maryland: 49.6%
- vs. Illinois: 35.4%
- at Michigan State: 48.8%
USC’s Winning Probability
The FPM expects the Trojans to end their skid, as they own a 66.4% win probability in Week 9. With over 50% rates in three of its final four matchups, USC still has a chance to at least mirror its 7-5 regular-season record from last year, even if it should be considered a disappointment.
- at Washington: 50.6%
- vs. Nebraska: 53.8%
- at UCLA: 75.1%
- vs. Notre Dame: 34.9%
Prediction for Rutgers vs. USC
Lincoln Riley began his USC tenure with a bang, leading the Trojans to an 11-1 record, powered by a dynamic offense. But since that hot start led by Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, USC has cooled off, posting an 11-11 record.
After a statement win over LSU in Week 1, Riley’s squad has stumbled, dropping four of its last five games—though those losses came by a combined total of just 11 points. The road hasn’t been kind either, with defeats at Michigan, Minnesota, and Maryland despite entering as the favorites.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
On the other side, the Scarlet Knights surged to one of their best starts in program history, winning their first four games. But then came setbacks against Nebraska, Wisconsin, and UCLA, resulting in three straight losses.
Even with RB Kyle Monangai providing a strong presence on the ground, Rutgers lacks the offensive firepower to pull off an upset against USC. However, they should have enough to keep it close on the cross-country trip from Piscataway, N.J., to Los Angeles.
Back USC to win, Rutgers to cover, and the under to hit in this new-look Big Ten showdown.
Prediction: USC 27, Rutgers 20
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