USC vs Missouri State Prediction, Game Preview & Betting Lines: College Football 2025

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 7:09 PM ET

Welcome to the FBS, Missouri State. Now go to USC and do something interesting against a team in need of a hot start.

The Bears didn't set the FCS world on fire last year, but head coach Ryan Beard won eight games, he returns a ton of experience, and there are real players for the Trojans to worry about.

There's this, then a date at defending Sun Belt champ Marshall - who is a shadow of its former self - and then SMU comes to town.

The problem with USC isn't that the expectations are low; it's that there's no buzz.

Coming off a dud of a 7-6 season, it should start hot with Georgia Southern, at Purdue, and Michigan State to get things going. But first, a nice, light scrimmage with a big number on the board would be a huge plus.

College Football 2025 Week 1: USC vs Missouri State Odds, Prediction & Preview

USC vs Missouri State How To Watch
Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: BTN
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

Why Missouri State Will Win

The Bears have the offense to press the USC defensive backs all game long.

It was third in the FCS in passing efficiency thanks to big bomber Jacob Clark - a former Minnesota Golden Gopher - working with a dangerous receiving corps that should be able to hit a few home runs.

The defense has the pass rush to keep bringing the pressure and make USC quarterback Jayden Maiava work a bit, but ...

Why USC Will Win

Missouri State won't have much for the ground game.

The offensive line is full of veterans, but it couldn't run block and was way too leaky, keeping Clark from getting popped. USC's pass rush was a big issue throughout last year, and the goal throughout the offseason was to figure out how to bring more heat.

The Trojans have an upgraded group of ends, the tackles will be terrific thanks to the transfer portal, and the linebacking corps might be the team's biggest strength. But ...

USC vs Missouri State Who Will Win

Yeah, fine, the USC defense will be better ... we'll all believe it when we see it.

The offense needs to be up to the Lincoln Riley standards, and it starts with quarterback Jayden Maiava taking his game up a whole other notch. His loaded receiving corps will show off against what should be a slightly shaky Bear secondary.

USC vs Missouri State Prediction, Betting Lines

USC 48, Missouri State 10
Consensus Line: USC -35, o/u: 59.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2
Must See Rating: 2

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: