BYU Cougars vs. USC Trojans Odds & Game Pick (2021)
These two teams haven't played many times throughout history. This game will be the fourth time they have played against each other. Currently, USC is leading the series 2-1. This season has been rough for the 4-6 Trojans, and #13 BYU will have an opportunity to tie the series. 9-2, BYU has been phenomenal this year. Both their losses have been against quality teams. They have lost close games to Baylor and Boise St. That means BYU is a quality team. Bettors will have to consider this when looking into the betting value. Let's explore the best betting values in this matchup.
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Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Details
- Opening Lines: BYU -7.5, Total 64.5
- Current Lines: BYU 7, Total 64.5
- Last Game: September 14, 2019, BYU 30-27
- Winning Streak: BYU (1)
Overview
USC has struggled under interim head coach Donte Williams. Williams chose to start Jaxson Dart last week against UCLA, and it ended with USC losing 62-33. Dart threw two picks and missed a lot of targets. He ended the game with a 29.8 QBR. Dart will get a second opportunity against BYU to prove himself. Dart has thrown a pick in every game he has played in besides one. That means that BYU will have additional opportunities to score with a short field during this game. Defensively, USC has struggled. They are allowing 33 points per game and have struggled to stop both the run and passing game. Their defense is giving up over 420 yards per game. This USC team will need to make vast improvements to have a shot at covering the betting spread.
BYU is phenomenal this year. They are 9-2 and #13 overall. Offensively, they are scoring 34 points per game, and they do it in many different ways. QB Jaren Hall is completing 66% of his passing and only has three interceptions on the season. RB Tyler Allgeier has been phenomenal this year with the fifth-most rushing yards in college football. The defense has been equally good. They are allowing 23 points per game and limiting the opponent's passing yards to 230 per game. BYU is a complete team, and with all the distractions at USC, they have all the value in this matchup.
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Bottom Line
USC has too many question marks in this game. They have an interim head coach that has been underperforming. They are 1-4 in their last five games, and they are starting a new quarterback that has been turnover-prone. USC has a weak strength of schedule this year and hasn't played the caliber of team that BYU is. BYU is the more complete and consistent team. They have proven they can score and play good defense. This game is an opportunity to take advantage of an awful situation for USC. Bettors should bet the consistently better team in this matchup to cover the spread.
Pick: BYU -7 (-110)
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Cameron Lynch is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Cameron, check out his archive and follow him @captron26.