At the onset of the 2019 season is the raging inferno that is Clay Helton’s seat. Many observers have the USC coach as good as fired even before the season opener. Adding to the pressure for Helton is a tough week one matchup against Fresno State. Consider head coach Jeff Tedford’s Bulldogs are coming off consecutive bowl seasons and are looking for more. Fresno State is among the college football betting games Favorites for gamblers in Group of Five. More emphatically the Bulldogs will aim to be the first Group of Five school to beat USC in 21 years.
Fresno State Bulldogs Vs. USC Trojans
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2019, 10:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California |
| Fresno State vs. USC TV Coverage: | ESPN |
Fresno State Bulldogs vs. USC Trojans Overview
Last year Fresno State had a college football betting games record of 12-2 straight up, 10-4 against the spread and 4-10 under the total. It was the second straight double-digit win season for the Bulldogs. By contrast 2018 was a catastrophe for USC. The Men of Troy finished 5-7 straight up, 4-8 vs. the odds. And 6-6 with totals. Helton lost much of the goodwill that came from Cotton and Rose Bowl appearances the previous two years. Of great concern is that the Trojans finished 2016 ranked third in the nation. The free fall has caused massive alarm.
Reload or Rebuild?
While Tedford has been rightfully credited with a phenomenal offshore betting turnaround at Fresno State 2019, is a daunting challenge. To illuminate the Bulldogs prolific offense must replace eight starters. Key losses to the nation’s 17th ranked defense add to the pressure. Still Tedford has recruited well and established a winning culture.
Air Raid Replaces Student Body Right
Not withstanding USC’s traditional reputation for pro style attacks Helton has blown up the playbook. Graham Harrell arrives to coordinate the Texas Tech style Air Raid offense. Quarterback JT Daniels (128.6 RTG, 14 TD, 10 INT, 2672 YDS) had a tough freshman season. In spite of that Daniels has plenty to work with in the surrounding cast.
Fresno State and USC Against the Spread
The Bulldogs are:
- 7-1 with the line as a road dog
- 1-5 under the total getting points away from home
- 5-5 vs. the spread as a double-digit road pup
- 6-3 over the total getting 10+ points on the road.
- 0-2 against the spread vs. USC
- In games with the Trojans 1-1 over under the total
The Trojans are:
- 2-8 against the line as a home favorite
- 3-5 under the total as a favorite at Los Angeles Coliseum
- 4-7 vs. the spread as a double-digit home favorite
- 2-3 under the total laying 10 or more points at LA Coliseum
- At home against Fresno State 1-0 with the line and over the total
Fresno State vs. USC College Football Betting Games Picks
On this occasion USC catches Fresno State at the best time for college football betting games. Fresno has massive roster turnover to deal with. More emphatically they will be very inexperienced. USC has the undeniable talent and depth edge.
Fresno State Vs. USC College Football Betting Games Pick: USC Trojans
Fresno State Vs. USC College Football Betting Games Score Prediction: Trojans 38, Bulldogs 17
Catch Clay Helton announce JT Daniels as the starting quarterback!