USC vs Ohio State Odds - Look for Trojans to run all over Buckeyes
Last year’s college football odds had USC as an 11-point favorite at home against Ohio State, which it covered easily. The 2009 rematch once again has them as nearly a touchdown favorite in The Horseshoe, and with a wealth of talent at running back, the Trojans should run past the Buckeyes in this contest.
USC vs Ohio State odds: USC -6.5
- WHAT: College football odds
- WHEN: Saturday, September 12th, 8:00 PM ET
- WHERE: Ohio Stadium (“The Horseshoe”), Columbus, OH
- KEY STAT: USC romped to a 35-3 win at home over Ohio State in 2008
- PICK: USC -6.5
USC vs Ohio State Odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
Ohio State has been raked over the coals in recent performances in big games, and last year’s 35-3 loss at USC didn’t do it any favors. The Buckeyes must prove they can compete with the NCAA’s elite because outside of a Nov. 7 trip to Penn State, the Buckeyes shouldn’t lose this year. This will be quarterback Matt Barkley’s first test as a USC quarterback and he has big shoes to fill by following former first-round picks Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez. Betting Edge: Ohio State
USC vs Ohio State Odds maker breakdown: Offense
Barkley beat out Aaron Corp for the quarterback role, and though he's the first true freshman to start the season as the No. 1 guy in USC history, he looked good in the opener against San Jose State. With plenty of help in the backfield from arguably the best group of running backs in the country in Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight and C.J. Gable, Barkley didn’t have much pressure in Week 1. That will change as he gets set to make his first start in a hostile environment at The Horseshoe. Terrelle Pryor and the Ohio State Buckeyes offense looked very shaky in their opener against Navy. The Midshipmen are scrappy, but they are a significantly weaker opponent than USC. The Buckeyes struggled to run the ball with any consistency and their passing game looked shaky at best. A late Pryor interception is what let the Midshipmen back into the game. They better hope that it was just a look ahead game, because if they play this way two weeks in a row they won’t win. Betting Edge: USC
USC vs Ohio State Odds maker breakdown: Defense
USC had the second-best defense in the nation - which is always good for a team’s online betting odds - and it looked equally strong in the opener. Hard-hitting safety Taylor Mays led the Trojans in the opener as they allowed just 121 yards of total offense to San Jose State. The Buckeyes brought back seven starters from last year but you wouldn’t have noticed it against Navy. Navy racked up 342 yards of offense including a whopping 156 passing yards and two passing touchdowns from a team that is run-based. If Navy can pass on Ohio State, so will USC – freshman quarterback or not. Betting Edge: Ohio State
USC vs Ohio State Odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Both teams come into this game fairly healthy. Keep an eye on Buckeyes wideout DeVier Posey, who left the Navy game in the first quarter with an ankle injury. Betting Edge: USC
USC vs Ohio State betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Same script, different year. Last season, Ohio State barely scraped by in their game the week prior to USC (Ohio State won 25-14 over Ohio) and then was crushed by the Trojans. The same will happen this year. The offenses might be much closer this time around, but the Trojans have a significantly better defense. Home field advantage will keep this game close for the first half but USC will pull away after the Buckeyes offense stumbles. BLAKE’S PICK: USC
For more college football odds and props, visit our renowned offshore sportsbook, and for more on the USC vs Ohio State matchup, check out our stats section. Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand. Thoughts or questions?
