The Prediction: USC Trojans
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
This week, the Huskies go on the road to the Coliseum to face the #18 USC Trojans, with both programs looking to right their ships as they head deeper into Big Ten play! Our staff has their predictions below!
Andrew Berg (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS)
There seems to be a belief in Vegas (or the betting public) that Washington has another gear they haven’t hit yet. The Dawgs are 0-4 ATS because they just haven’t scored enough points to beat the spreads, which have favored them in every game so far. This one looks like more of the same- how many points will UW need to score to realistically stay within single digits of one of the better offense’s in the country?
Sure, if you want to pick nits, you can point out that USC’s receiver room is not fully healthy, which contributed to Jayden Maiava’s more pedestrian output against Oregon. You can also note that USC’s defense has been quite poor, allowing 30+ to each of Rutgers, Louisiana, and Oregon (mostly without Dante Moore). On the other hand, I don’t expect the defense to be meaningfully worse than Washington St or Utah St, both of whom gave UW plenty of problems. I could see an offensive breakthrough for UW if Jedd Fisch calls 10 more designed QB runs for Demond Williams, or if Williams does find that higher gear that has been missing this season. Those changes could get UW within 10 points, but I have not seen anything this season to make me think those changes are coming.
USC 33- Washington 17
Raymond Lucas Jr. (4-0 SU, 2-2 ATS)
Given what USC is as a program, or at least perceived to be, it feels like this game is always one of three things for the Huskies.
- An opportunity to prove they can perform under the bright light of national television (both CFP appearances featured battles with USC along the way)
- A chance for a new coach to earn or retain high placement in the West Coast pecking order (Sark beat USC Year 1, Petersen Year 2, DeBoer Year 2, Fisch Year 1)
- A potential turning point for the season
We’re currently at #3 after Washington’s slow start, which isn’t reflected in its 3-1 (0-1 Big Ten) record. The Huskies need to find a groove offensively. Though narratives suggest USC’s defense is horrid, the Trojans have a lot of talent on the defensive line, and the Huskies’ offensive line has struggled. That is not a recipe for success. However, I think Jedd Fisch will make an adjustment and utilize Demond Williams’ legs more, because the Huskies don’t have a chance unless Williams is put in designed runs, or at least RPOs. I don’t expect Washington’s running game to come to life in this game. Last time UW traveled to USC it captured a 52-42 victory in an instant classic. That game led to the firing of USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, as a misalignment led to explosive runs by ex-Husky running back Dillon Johnson. If USC loses this game, calls for Lincoln Riley’s job will grow deafening, as it will feature consecutive losses to foes from the Pacific Northwest. This game is tough to call. My heart says the Huskies will find a way to win, as they’ve been successful against USC in recent years. My brain tells me there is nothing the Huskies have shown me to suggest they’ll win this game. I’m going to trust the brain, but hope the heart is right.
USC 38-Washington 30
Mark Schafer (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS)
This week, it’s a battle between 2 programs at their nadir in terms of vibes. On one side, you have the Huskies, joined at the hip to a quarterback who has regressed, if anything, and an offense that is not physical enough in pass protection or in the run game. That, with a defense that has played ever sloppily and carelessly throughout the weeks doesn’t instill a ton of confidence.
However, USC has its own issues, despite a ton of talent in Jaiden Maiva and King Miller among others. Lincoln Riley notably can’t figure out defense, for one. Gary Patterson’s unit has weaknesses in the back end that the Huskies, if they can exploit them, can ride them to an upset win. That is a big if, as we don’t know how Demond or the line will hold up against a defensive line that is pretty stout. But if he can, and we can get receivers open, we may end up winning this one. As far as the rushing attack, I don’t have faith in the running backs, or Jedd getting Demond involved on designed runs. So it falls to the pass game, and the big question is: can Demond live up to the preseason hype, just a little bit? I don’t know if he can.
Washington: 17–USC: 35
Straight Up: Washington–0, USC–3
Against the Spread: Washington–1, USC–2
Average Score: USC–35.333, Washington–21.33
Let us know your prediction in the comments below! Go Dawgs!
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos