Utah State vs. USC College Football Week 2 Picks: Expect a High-Scoring Affair
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Eduardo Solano
- September 7, 2024
College Football Pick: Over 63 (-108) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
Utah State battles USC for the first time since 2016 when the Trojans crushed them 45-7.
Let’s analyze the current college football odds available at the top sportsbooks and go over all you need to know about this game.
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Utah State Aggies vs. USC Trojans
Saturday, September 07, 2024 – 11:00 PM ET at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Utah State Will Miss Robert Briggs Jr.
In Nate Dreiling’s debut as head coach, the Utah State Aggies secured a commanding 36-14 victory over the Robert Morris Colonials on Saturday. Despite their sluggish performance in the first half, the Aggies dominated the second half, outscoring Robert Morris 26-0.
Utah State’s offense was explosive, amassing 646 total yards, though they struggled with ball control, losing the turnover battle 3-1 and holding possession for just 25:38.
Defensively, they allowed 362 total yards, with 225 coming through the air and 137 on the ground (four yards per carry), while committing 10 penalties for 105 yards—highlighting areas Dreiling and his team must address moving forward.
However, the victory came at a cost, as junior running back Robert Briggs Jr. was lost for the season with a broken leg after rushing nine times for 88 yards. Senior quarterback Spencer Petras, an Iowa transfer, completed 10 of 15 passes for 145 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions before leaving the game in the second quarter due to a sprained ankle.
Dreiling has labeled Petras “day-to-day,” and his status for Week 2 remains uncertain. If Petras is unavailable, junior Bryson Barnes, a transfer from Utah, will likely take over. Barnes completed 11 of 21 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in Week 1, adding 88 rushing yards and a score on five carries.
USC Impressed Against LSU
The USC Trojans opened their 2024 season with a thrilling 27-20 win over LSU on Sunday in Las Vegas. In their Big Ten debut, the Trojans racked up 450 total yards, edging out LSU’s 421, and took advantage of a late-game surge with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, including Woody Marks’ game-winning 13-yard run with eight seconds left.
Junior quarterback Miller Moss was efficient, completing 27 of 36 passes for 378 yards and one touchdown. Marks added 68 rushing yards and two scores on 16 carries, while Kyron Hudson hauled in five receptions for 83 yards.
Although USC failed to record a sack and only registered three tackles for loss, they forced an interception and capitalized on LSU’s 10 penalties for 99 yards. The Trojans showcased their depth, with six players recording at least 45 receiving yards.
The Pick
USC’s offensive firepower will be key as they host Utah State, a team that has allowed 41 or more points in three of their last six games. Expect plenty of offensive fireworks when these two teams clash. I like this game to go Over the total.
College Football Pick: Over 63 (-108) at Heritage Sports
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
