Washington vs USC Prediction: Who Will Rebound Faster?
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This was supposed to be the moment when the world paid attention to Washington (3-1) and USC (4-1). Both teams had showcase home games after relatively light starts, both were supposed to come up with something special, and then … nope.
USC lost 41-27 to a hyper-focused Oregon that took its game up a few notches after losing quarterback Dante Moore. Washington wasn’t in it from jump in a 27-24 loss to a Minnesota team that played its best game this season.
Both teams have rough stretches ahead, but win this, and there’s still hope for a terrific season.
Washington vs USC: Quick Hits
- The two former Pac-12 programs didn’t play last year, but Washington won 26-21 in 2024.
- USC goes on the road for three of its next four games, traveling to Penn State and Wisconsin before hosting Ohio State. After a week off, there’s a trip to Indiana.
- This starts a run of three road games in four dates for Washington, hosting Iowa next before going to Purdue and Nebraska.
How To Watch Washington vs USC
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Game Time: 7:30 PM ET
TV: NBC
Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA
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Why Washington Will Win
USC’s defense doesn’t have it. A poor second half against San Jose State was explained away by playing the backups, and the Rutgers game was about the long trip against a team that threw everything at the wall to get things moving, but there wasn’t any hope of slowing down the Oregon passing game.
Duck backup quarterback Dylan Raiola was terrific, hitting 76% of his throws for 289 yards and two scores, and now it’s up to Demond Williams Jr. to go off.
Louisiana’s baller quarterback Lunch Winfield gave the Trojans fits. Williams Jr. has to hit the midrange throws and let his receivers do the work.
Why USC Will Win
Jayden Maiava is doing everything he can to carry the Trojans. The veteran quarterback threw for 326 yards and two scores against Oregon, he’s hitting 70% of his passes, and now he’s going against a Washington defense that couldn’t keep Minnesota’s Drake Lindsey from keeping things moving.
Maiava doesn’t have to bomb away. He has to take his time and just run the offense against a Washington team that can’t seem to generate a lick of pressure from its defensive front.
Washington vs USC Prediction, Betting Lines
It might sound basic and sort of flaky, but Washington just doesn’t seem to have it this season. There’s little positive momentum offensively, and the defense, while good overall against mediocre teams, wasn’t able to pick up the offensive side against the Gophers.
USC is all about the offense. The defense will hold serve on enough Washington drives in the second half to let Maiava do his thing.
USC 35, Washington 26
Latest Consensus Line: USC -9.5, o/u: 58.5
ATS Confidence (out of 5): 3
Must See Rating (out of 5): 4
Consensus line based on 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.
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