USC vs. San Jose State: Exploring the Odds and Predictions for the 2023 College Football Clash

USC vs. San Jose State: A David and Goliath Matchup

The upcoming college football game between USC and San Jose State on Saturday is shaping up to be a classic David and Goliath matchup. The sixth-ranked Trojans are heavily favored, with odds per SportsLine consensus putting them as 31-point favorites. San Jose State, on the other hand, is seeking their first victory against USC, having lost all five previous meetings with the Trojans.

Historical Imbalance

The historical imbalance between these two teams is significant. USC has traditionally been a powerhouse in college football, while San Jose State has struggled to find success against ranked teams on the road since the 1980s. The Trojans have a long-standing winning record in season openers at home, having won 15 in a row since 1997.

USC‘s Dominance

There are several reasons why USC is expected to cover the spread and come out on top in this matchup. The Trojans had an impressive season last year, finishing with 11 victories and matching their highest total since 2008. They were able to cover the spread in two games where they were heavy favorites, demonstrating their ability to perform well against lesser opponents.

One of USC‘s key strengths is their star quarterback, Caleb Williams. Williams captured the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His impressive passing yards and touchdown throws make him a formidable opponent for any defense.

Additionally, USC will be motivated to erase the memory of their one-point loss to Tulane in last year’s Cotton Bowl. They have their sights set on a successful season opener and will likely come out strong against San Jose State.

San Jose State’s Potential

Despite being the underdogs, San Jose State shouldn’t be dismissed just yet. While they struggled to cover the spread in their final seven games last season, they have a track record of performing well as double-digit underdogs. The Spartans’ offense has shown promise, scoring at least 21 points in 10 of their 12 games last year.

Quarterback Chevan Cordeiro has been a key player for San Jose State, throwing for 23 touchdown passes and contributing to their ground attack with nine rushing scores. The team’s ability to hold onto the football, with only nine turnovers last season, is also a promising factor.

Expert Picks and Projections

According to SportsLine’s Projection Model, the point total is likely to go over, and they have generated an against-the-spread pick that hits in nearly 60% of simulations. While the odds may heavily favor USC, there is always the possibility of an upset in college football, as we’ve seen time and time again.

Conclusion

The USC vs. San Jose State matchup is an intriguing one, with a clear underdog in San Jose State facing a dominant USC team. While the odds heavily favor USC, it’s important to remember that anything can happen in college football. San Jose State will need to capitalize on their offensive strengths and find a way to disrupt USC‘s game plan if they hope to secure an upset victory. As always, the game will be an exciting display of determination and skill, showcasing the essence of college football.