USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13). Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

NCAAF Week 5: USC Trojans vs. Colorado Buffaloes betting picks, preview

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated Sep 25, 2023 3:51 PM ET

Neither team impressed last week. For USC they left Arizona State with a win, while Colorado was flat embarrassed on the road. This game's wattage was dimmed with the big loss to Oregon (can you imagine the hype if they had won?) and with CB/WR Travis Hunter still out there is one less star on the field.

USC Trojans vs. Colorado Buffaloes Betting Trends and Odds

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 — Noon, ET

Odds: USC -22, Over/under 73.5, USC -1600 | Colorado +900

An interesting thing about this line is how similar it is to those we have already seen with Colorado. The Buffs were -21 at TCU, and again at Oregon, and now -22 against USC at home. Where is the creativity (haha)? I guess that means the Trojans are the best program of that trio, given the location of the game. Sitting at above -21 there is a chance it comes down, but that would be more of an emotional move than a practical one based on recent data points.

Picks for USC vs. Colorado

USC -22

Last week I went with the over in the Colorado vs. Oregon game, that was a loss as the Buffs were barely able to get on the scoreboard. I think Colorado should feel more comfortable at home, but the way the offense looked last week scares me. USC is not a dominant defensive team, but their offense is better than Oregon's, probably the best in the nation, led by the best quarterback in the nation in Caleb Williams. The Trojans just keep scoring which is what you need to cover a big number like this and I also like the spot because it is a national game on Big Noon Kickoff so there will be less incentive to take their foot off the gas. This is a chance for the Trojans to start showing off.

Whatever moves are coming for this game are likely to be in early in the week. In some shops, it has already come down from -24.

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Matt Wiesenfeld

Matt Wiesenfeld has been handicapping games and espousing sports wisdom online for more than a decade, writing thousands of articles to help bettors understand and play the market. Matt loves to bet on, write about, and engage on MLB, the NFL, NBA, college football, and college basketball

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