Penn State vs USC Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

Penn State is still deep in the mix for really, really big things, and now starts the big stretch.

There’s this, then a trip to Wisconsin, and then Ohio State, and then Washington. The team that’s been a tad underwhelming for the No. 4 ranked team has a chance to show it belongs.

USC is in a must-win situation to stay in the Big Ten chase after losing to Michigan and Minnesota.

The team isn’t playing poorly, but throwing in the first half against Wisconsin, the Trojans haven’t been great outside of one half of Big Ten play.

The rest of the conference play isn’t bad - at Washington is the toughest game left.

If the Trojans are good enough to beat the Nittany Lions, they’ll be good enough to win out before the Notre Dame showdown.

Penn State vs USC How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
How to Watch: CBS
USC (3-2), Penn State (5-0)

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Why Penn State Will Win

Penn State isn’t giving opponents a shot to take over.

The Nittany Lions have only turned the ball over three times, penalties haven’t been a monster issue - just a little bit of one - and they’re owning third downs.

The offense is opening it up a bit more than it did last year, but it’s keeping everything moving connecting on 53% of its third down chances. The dominant defense is allowing just 233 yards per game, the pressure is there throughout, and the group is getting off the field.

Basically, Penn State is efficient, and USC is struggling in a big way with …

Why USC Will Win

Turnovers.

USC didn’t turn the ball over in the opener against LSU, but it’s been a giveaway machine over the last three games with three turnovers in each one.

The O is pressing a bit, but in this, it has to be patient, rely on the defense to not get down big early, and be happy to take the quick midrange passes that are there.

Penn State’s defense might be great, but it didn’t force a takeaway against UCLA. The West Virginia offense didn’t work in the rain and weather delay opener against the Nittany Lions, but it was the all the turnovers that turned out to be the problem.

Don’t screw up, and this should be a fight.

Penn State vs USC: Who Will Win

Has Penn State been stress-tested yet?

The West Virginia offense is okay, and Illinois has a decent passing game, and Bowling Green made it close when the Nittany Lions were a bit underwhelming, but the team hasn’t been pushed hard yet.

USC will get past the rough performance against Minnesota and be great for about three quarters, and then the Penn State defense and offensive front will take over to push through for its strongest win of the season.

Penn State vs USC Prediction, Betting Lines

Penn State 28, USC 23
Line: Penn State -5.5, o/u: 50.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Penn State vs USC Must See Rating: 5

Week 7 CFN Expert Picks
Coastal Carolina at JMU | MTSU at La Tech
UTEP at WKU | Memphis at USF
Northwestern at Maryland | UNLV at Utah St
Utah at Arizona St | South Carolina at Alabama
Washington at Iowa | Texas vs Oklahoma
Penn State at USC | Stanford at Notre Dame
Arizona at BYU | Florida at Tennessee
Ohio State at Oregon | Ole Miss at LSU
Kansas St at Colorado | Boise St at Hawaii