Iowa football vs. USC: Who wins? Final score predictions

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Even after a heartbreaking missed chance last weekend, opportunity is still knocking at Iowa's door. The question is, will they open up?

The Hawkeyes will hit the road on Saturday for a top-25 matchup with the USC Trojans. It's the first conference matchup between these two teams ever, as the last time they met was a 49-24 Iowa victory in the 2019 Holiday Bowl. The Trojans have gone through a lot of change since that game, hiring Lincoln Riley and now finally establishing themselves as one of college football's elite programs again.

The Hawkeyes have kept the same formula under Kirk Ferentz, which has led to a lot of consistency, but not many ranked wins recently. Iowa is 0-12 in its last 12 games against ranked opponents, a streak it'll have the chance to end on Saturday. The opportunity for a big-ranked win is there for both sides. Who will seize that opportunity? Here are Hawkeyes Wire's official predictions for Iowa vs USC.

Iowa vs USC predictions

Riley Donald: This could go one of two ways for the Iowa Hawkeyes. The first is that Iowa enters this one a little bit hungover from the emotional loss to Oregon, paired with a long flight out west. The other way is that the Hawkeyes rally around each other, as they so often have done under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and come out swinging in this game.

USC has the offense to put up points. This may be Iowa's toughest test yet, and they have to get pressure up front to disrupt the timing of the Trojans' quarterback, Jayden Maiava. On offense, Iowa can play its style of game, running the ball, especially if the rainy forecast holds true. If Iowa can get the run game going, it can play defense by keeping the offense on the field, controlling the clock, and limiting possessions. Iowa doesn't roll over and die. It isn't what they do.

Iowa 27, USC 24

Josh Helmer: Iowa’s West Coast trip to UCLA wound up as one of its most disappointing results in 2024. The Hawkeyes actually started that game with a 10-0 lead, though.

The West Coast travel factor isn’t why I like USC. It just feels like Iowa missed out on its opportunity for a signature victory in its two home losses against Indiana and Oregon.

USC is an elite offense, and Iowa has trouble going blow for blow.

USC 30, Iowa 24

Scout Springgate: The biggest factor for Iowa will be. Its ability to prevent chunk plays against the Trojans with a high-octane offense that loves to score. The game will come down squarely on Phil Parker‘s ability to slow down USC.

Offensively, the Hawkeyes should have the advantage on the ground game through their physical offensive line, but they also cannot get in their own way like they did against Oregon. 

I feel that Iowa will bounce back from its loss to Oregon with a high-profile road win against USC. 

Iowa 31, USC 24

Zach Hiney: Iowa and games on the West Coast don’t usually pair well together, and while that will be a factor, it’s not the main reason why I’m picking USC to win this game. I think Iowa is bound for some kind of a letdown after an emotional and gut-wrenching loss to Oregon last weekend. Whether that’s a slow start or an early turnover, it’s only human to have a little letdown after such an emotional game.

Combine that with just how good USC is on the offensive side of the ball, and it’s a tall task for the Hawkeyes to overcome. The Trojans can beat you on the ground or through the air, and the defense is opportunistic, forcing 20 turnovers in nine games this season. There’s elite talent everywhere, and they’ve improved a ton in the trenches. They’ll be ready to go with their College Football Playoff hopes on the line.

The Hawkeyes will battle and give USC everything they can handle. Kirk Ferentz will ensure his guys leave it all on the field. But it’s the Trojans who will ultimately come out on top, writing another heartbreaking chapter in the story of the 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes.

USC 24, Iowa 21

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football vs. USC: Who wins? Final score predictions

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