NCAAF Week 8: Utah Utes vs. USC Trojans betting picks, preview

USC lost last week, in spectacular fashion at Notre Dame. They return home, and frankly, Utah is going to pose a lot of the same challenges. USC is still undefeated in the Pac-12 though so their season is not quite lost. If they can get back on track. Utah, with its very physical style of play, is challenging for USC. They have won three straight against USC. 

Utah Utes vs. USC Trojans Betting Trends and Odds

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 — 8 p.m., ET

Odds: USC -7, Over/under 52.5, Utah +235 | USC -290

This is an interesting line/price given the results of last week. I guess it might have been -10 if the Trojans had not stunk, so perhaps it is a buying opportunity. Recent trend data is going to suggest going the other way and we are already at that critical number of seven. USC, even when playing well, has been a disappointment to bettors this season. 

Pick for Utah vs. USC

USC -7

I am hopeful that I am betting with my head and not my heart here this week. I was sure USC would walk into South Bend and get a win last week (I admit it). Instead, quarterback Caleb Williams had his worst collegiate game and the USC offense was ineffective. That was on the road but the Utah defense is no less fearsome than Notre Dame's (it might even be better). I am really leaning into Williams's talent and that of USC head coach Lincoln Riley, it is not very often they are stymied like that. USC still has the same problems on defense they have had all season, but Utah is more limited this year than they have been in the past and QB Cam Rising is still an unknown due to health. I normally love Utah in underdog situations but I see USC rebounding. 

Sitting on the most key of numbers this one probably holds steady. It will be in teasers for sure, probably from both sides but I do not expect much movement.