The No. 9 University of Southern California Trojans (7-1, 5-1 Pac-12) and their explosive passing offense welcome the University of California Golden Bears (3-5, 1-4 Pac-12), one of the nation’s weakest aerial defenses, at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday.
The Trojans are 21.5-point favorites, and the total is 61. California is coming off a 42-24 loss against No. 8 Oregon at FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium last Saturday, their fourth consecutive defeat. Jack Plummer was 20 of 33 for 214 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Jaydn Ott ran 14 times for 57 yards. Jeremiah Hunter caught five passes for 96 yards.
USC beat Arizona 45-37 at Arizona Stadium last Saturday. Caleb Williams threw for 411 yards and five touchdowns. Travis Dye carried 20 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. Tahj Washington added two touchdowns of his own. He hauled in seven receptions for 118 yards.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
The Golden Bears won the only game between the teams last season, a 24-14 victory in December. Christopher Brooks had two touchdowns for California.
TALE OF THE TAPE
The Golden Bears are averaging 23.4 points per game for the season, 101st in FBS, and they are facing a Trojans defense that has surrendered 24.0 PPG (51st). Meanwhile, USC has scored 41.0 points a game this season, eighth in the nation, and California is allowing 25.0 PPG (62nd).
The Golden Bears rank 48th in the country in passing yards per game (261.1) and 107th in rushing (113.4), while the Trojans are 93rd in passing yards allowed per game (249.6) and 79th against the run (152.1).USC has been one of the country’s top passing teams, averaging 307.9 passing yards per game (15th), while ranking 40th in rushing yards (185.6).
California’s defense has been beatable through the air, as the Golden Bears are 126th in the nation in passing yards allowed per game (292.3). Against the run, the Golden Bears are 35th (124.5).
TOP PERFORMERS
Through eight games, Jack Plummer has thrown for 13 touchdowns (5 INT) and 246.0 yards per game to lead California in passing. In three away games this season, he has two TDs (1 INT) and an average of 239.3 yards passing.
Jaydn Ott leads the team in rushing with an average of 84.4 yards a game over eight games. He has five touchdowns on the ground and one through the air. Jeremiah Hunter is the Golden Bears’ leading receiver with 77.7 yards a game and two TDs.
Caleb Williams has 24 passing touchdowns (1 INT) with 297.8 yards per game through eight games to lead USC. In four home games this season, he has thrown for nine TDs (1 INT) and an average of 267.2 yards.
Travis Dye has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 95.0 yards a game through eight games. He has eight touchdowns. Jordan Addison has been a key target in the Trojans’ passing game. He has seven touchdowns and an 83.6 yard per game average through seven appearances.
HOME AND AWAY
California is looking for a first win on the road this season in three games. USC has yet to lose at home this season in four games.
SportsTips’ College Football Pick:
USC
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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