Utah at USC line, prediction, odds: Trojans favored in rematch of last year’s Pac-12 title game

The Utah Utes will look to make it four consecutive wins against the USC Trojans when the two go head-to-head this weekend in Los Angeles. It’s a critical game for both sides, which each have hopes of making the Pac-12 Championship Game. The Trojans are favored by about a touchdown at home.

After beating six straight unranked teams to start the season, USC was punched in the mouth last weekend in a 48-20 loss at Notre Dame. The Trojans’ defense has been the team’s primary concern all year, but USC’s offense is now in search of a bounce back after Caleb Williams threw three interceptions and was sacked six times behind an offensive line that struggled. Even after last week’s showing, the Trojans rank second in FBS with 47.3 points per game.

So how will USC hold up this week against a stout Utah defense? The Utes rank fifth among FBS teams in scoring defense and are No. 9 in total defense. Only once has Utah allowed more than 14 points in a game, but the Trojans undoubtedly present the unit with its toughest test to date.

It remains unclear when quarterback Cam Rising will return to the field for Utah. In the meantime, Bryson Barnes appears to have taken over as the Utes’ signal caller. Barnes got the start last week and Utah scored a season-high 34 points in a win against Cal. The Utes’ offense has been lackluster for most of the season, but after an improved performance last week it now gets a shot at a USC team that has allowed 40-plus points in three consecutive games.

All odds from BetMGM. Looking for college football tickets? Find them here.