What channel is Rutgers vs. USC on today? Time, TV schedule

PISCATAWAY − If Rutgers football is going to avoid losing a third straight game to start the season, it's going to have to pull off a major upset.

The Scarlet Knights today host No. 11 USC at SHI Stadium hoping to avoid falling to 0-3 after losses to UMass and Boston College to start the season.

Having to face one of the top teams in the country, though, isn't the best scenario for where Rutgers is as a team right now.

For the Scarlet Knights to even stay competitive against the Trojans, they're going to have to play far better than they have been. That means taking care of the football, avoiding a slow start defensively and protecting the quarterback, something Rutgers has struggled with.

Here's how to watch today's game:

Rutgers football schedule: Scarlet Knights' next game

Rutgers hosts USC on Saturday, Sept. 19 at SHI Stadium in their Week 3 game.

What time is Rutgers vs. USC?

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.

What channel is Rutgers vs. USC?

The game will be televised on CBS.

Watch Rutgers vs. USC live on Fubo (free trial for new subscribers)

Rutgers vs. USC point spread

USC is a 24.5-point road favorite, according to Vegas Insider.

Rutgers vs. USC prediction

Rutgers wasn't able to beat UMass. It wasn't able to beat Boston College. There's absolutely no reason to think the Scarlet Knights will be able to beat USC. The Trojans' offense is going to be too much for Rutgers' defense to handle. USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has completed 80.72 percent of his passes through three games, and the Trojans are averaging 43.3 points per game and 513.3 yards per game. USC's defense is giving up 270 total yards per game. Now some of that has to do with the level of the Trojans' opponents (San Jose State, Fresno State and Louisiana), but USC is still solid on that side of the ball. If Rutgers is going to have any chance at pulling off a major upset, its defense needs to play much, much better than it has been. And right now there's no evidence to think that will be the case.

Prediction: USC 49, Rutgers 17

Rutgers vs. USC tickets

Buy tickets for Rutgers vs. USC on StubHub.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: What channel is Rutgers vs. USC on today? Time, TV schedule