Last week, the Northwestern Wildcats had a bye week after a painful loss at Nebraska. The Cats remain tantalizingly close to a bowl bid, needing only one more Betting on College Football win. On Friday night, Northwestern gets its shot to clinch bowl eligibility on the national stage. The Wildcats face the USC Trojans on FOX prime time from the LA Coliseum with a great opportunity for the perfect program infomercial. Head coach David Braun has led the Wildcats to a much better season than expected. Last week at Nebraska, USC got a gritty win.
Northwestern Wildcats vs. USC Trojans NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, November 7, 2025, 9 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | LA Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
Northwestern at USC Betting Odds Analysis
Northwestern has provided excellent betting value this season. Bargain hunters love Northwestern for its lack of appeal, which allows the Cats to get enhanced prices on the board. Squares will not want Northwestern in a road game at a blueblood power brand like USC.
Of course, the Trojans struggle to deliver reliable value. Based on branding, USC will draw the vast majority of casual sector support against Northwestern. Additionally, the public is impressed with how USC won in a difficult environment at Nebraska.
Northwestern Wildcats Team Overview
Last game, the Northwestern Wildcats lost 28-21 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers as 7-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 44.5. As a result, Northwestern is 5-3 straight up, 5-2-1 against the spread, and 2-6 over/under the offshore betting total.
Northwestern ranks 94th for total offense, 119th for passing, 38th for rushing, 104th for scoring, and 120th for fewest turnovers committed. In comparison, Northwestern ranks 22nd in total defense, 16th vs. the pass, 62nd vs. the rush, 14th in fewest points allowed, and 85th in takeaways.
USC Trojans Team Overview
Last game, the USC Trojans won 21-17 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers as 4.5-point road favorites. The game went under the total of 59. Now, USC is 6-2 straight up, 4-4 against the spread, and 4-4 over/under the Betting on College Football total.
Overall, USC ranks 6th for total offense, 12th for passing, 25th for rushing, 9th for scoring, and 83rd for fewest turnovers committed. USC ranks 52nd for total defense, 55th vs. the pass, 60th vs. the rush, 54th for fewest points allowed, and 38th for takeaways.
Northwestern at USC Betting Trends
Overall, Northwestern has struggled to provide value on the road. The Wildcats covered the spread in only three of their previous eight road games. The Wildcats went over the total in five of their most recent seven away games.
By contrast, USC has shown surprisingly good home value. USC got the money in eight of its most recent ten home games. Additionally, the Trojans went over the total in 15 of their last 20 home matchups.
Northwestern at USC SBG Free Picks
As mentioned earlier, Northwestern struggles to cover the spread on the road while USC makes money at home.
USC is coming off one of its biggest wins in the Lincoln Riley era by coming back to beat Nebraska. It was the Huskers’ blackout game, and the atmosphere was challenging.
In this situation, USC has vastly more talent. Despite its toughness and tenacity, Northwestern will struggle to keep up.
Northwestern at USC SBG Best Bet: USC Trojans.

