USC opened the season as college football betting underdogs against the Alabama Crimson Tide, and just like the odds predicted, the Tide rolled over the Trojans. Entering Week 2 USC won’t have to face the Nation’s No. 1 and needless to say, they will face a much weaker opponent, Utah State. The Aggies don’t consider themselves a weak team and their performance in Week 1 speaks to the contrary.
Utah State faced the Weber State Wildcats in their opening game and they made short work of the Cats. The Aggies finished the day with 528 yards of total offense while holding the Wildcats to only 245. This dominating performance on both sides of the ball paved the way to a crushing 45-6 Aggies victory. Equally as impressive is the fact that Utah State had 0 turnovers in this contest, which shows just how well coached this team is. 45-6 is certainly a dominating performance, but even more dominant was the showing Alabama had against the Trojans.
Alabama opened the 2016 by annihilating the Trojans on both sides of the ball. The Crimson Tide held USC to a mere 194 yards of total offense and even managed to force an interception that was returned for 6 before the half. The Trojans would finish the day with 6 points ( off of 2 field goals) while allowing Alabama to run the scoreboard all the way up to 52.
Alabama had their way with USC’s defense as well racking up an impressive 465 yards of total offense, however, USC still managed to force 2 Alabama turnovers. USC performed poorly against Alabama, but that says more about the lack of preparation on coaching and the strength of this Alabama team than it does about the lack of skill on the Trojan’s roster. After all, no one expected the Trojans to upset the NCAA betting odds. The Trojans will get their chance Saturday to prove exactly what kind of football team it is.
Week 2 Saturday the 10th of September
Utah State +16 (-110) 59 (-110) +525
USC -16 (-110) 59 (-110) -750
This game will be the only home contest for the Trojans in the month of September. All the more reason for USC to capitalize on this opportunity: facing a team that’s considered an easy-win with home field advantage. The beating Alabama handed the Trojans in is the largest USC has suffered in 50 years. What better way to bounce back from a humiliating defeat than to embarrass an opposing team with your home opener?
The college football betting odds certainly think they can get it done, and in all honesty, there’s little hope for the Aggies come Saturday. Max Browne, USC’s quarterback, and the entire Trojan defense will be coming into this game red hot with a gigantic chip on their shoulder.
The Aggies were very one-dimensional in their routing of Weber State throwing for only 100 yards, compared to the 428 yards they gained on the ground. USC is too tough of a team to beat with just a running game, and you can expect the Trojans to be preparing to deal with Devante Mays, the Aggies’ star back. At the end of the day, Utah State’s best chance of winning this ballgame would be by praying to the college football betting gods.