Stanford has more talent, the home field advantage and a solid coaching staff. There seems to be little reason why it can’t win this game by double-digits, which would cover the spread against the Trojans.
This contest in Week 3 of the regular season will go down Saturday, September 17, 2016, at 8 p.m. ET at Stanford Stadium.
NCAA Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
USC +9
Stanford -9
Over/Under 53
Odds Analysis
The betting public is backing Stanford to cover this game. More than 55 percent of the money is going that way as the Cardinal look to take care of business at home.
The scoring total seems a bit high, as the wagers have come in on the “under” at a 70 percent clip. Stanford is very strong defensively and could keep this game relatively low-scoring compared to the thinking of the oddsmakers.
Player to Watch
Christian McCaffrey. The most dynamic player on the field will be the Stanford running back. He began his junior season impressively, rushing 22 times for 126 yards and a touchdown in a 26-13 win over Kansas State. He also added seven catches for 40 yards.
McCaffrey rushed for more than 2,000 yards and had eight touchdowns on the ground a season ago. He is expected to be in the Heisman Trophy conversation with a strong year, and it’s imperative to do so as Stanford relies on him a ton.
The Cardinal aren’t super explosive offensively as they break in a new quarterback and need McCaffrey to star once again in this showdown.
Key stat
45. That’s the point difference the Trojans allowed from their opener to Week 2. They were dominated by top-ranked Alabama to open the season by a score of 52-7. The Crimson Tide had 242 rushing yards in the contest as USC could do little to slow them.
It was a complete turnaround against Utah State, a team with clearly inferior talent. USC held the Aggies to only 49 yards on 26 carries and it resulted in a 45-7 win.
Stanford has a powerful running game, and the job USC does against it will play a big role in the outcome. It will be interesting to see how the Trojans respond after being so up and down in their first two games of the season.
Free ATS Pick
Stanford entered the season as the Pac-12 favorite, and could make a nice statement with a win over USC. The home field advantage should help, and the defense showed in its opener that it once again will be stout despite losing some key players.
There were some questions surrounding the Cardinal with the departure of quarterback Kevin Hogan and others, but the program is strong and the new pieces have done well.
USC always has talent as it is in the recruiting hotbed of Southern California, but it has been inconsistent over the last couple of years. The Trojans would love to pull off the upset, but didn’t give much hope of that after getting blasted by Alabama.
Stanford might not have the same top-end talent as the Crimson Tide, but it plays a similar style of ball. Expect the Cardinals to wear down USC as the game goes on to both come away with the victory and cover the spread.
The “under” has been the common choice among bettors and it’s the right way to go. While McCaffrey is a legitimate superstar, Stanford still has some kinks to work offensively. USC will aim to put up points in bunches but it will be a tall task, and the Cardinal should be able to win this one in workmanlike fashion.
NCAA Football Odds: USC 31, Stanford 17
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
