The USC Trojans had a front-loaded schedule and didn’t fare very well, losing three games against ranked opponents among their first four contests. However, the group didn’t pack it in, and now USC readies for a pivotal Pac-12 road game against the Arizona Wildcats in Week 7 of the regular season.
USC is still in the mix in the Pac-12 South and needs to pick this one up as a road favorite against a team that is out of the race. Arizona is reduced to spoiler and needs to pick up some wins down the stretch in order to make a bowl game.
This matchup in Week 7 of the regular season will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at 3:30 p.m. ET at Arizona Stadium.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
USC -8
Arizona +8
Over/Under 61
Odds Analysis
This is a tricky spread, since the Wildcats are at home and get more than a touchdown. Even still, the betting public is backing USC, as it is getting more than 80 percent of the action to cover.
The gamblers have been clear as well on the scoring total, with the “over” the choice by an incredible 97 percent of the action. That seems like the no-brainer choice at this total, so jump on it now in case the line begins to move. Plenty of bettors already have.
Player to Watch
Sam Darnold - The USC freshman quarterback has been very impressive since entering the lineup. He replaced Max Browne in the middle of the Utah game and has helped spark the offense.
Darnold has completed 80-of-118 passes for 1,099 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. He couldn’t lead the Trojans all the way back against Utah, but threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns in a win over Arizona State, and then 358 yards and three more scores in a win over Colorado last time out.
Injury Report
The Wildcats are more than touchdown underdogs in part because of their murky quarterback situation. The starter at the beginning of the year, Anu Solomon, has been sidelined for several weeks and won’t play in this one.
Brandon Dawkins is the backup and has shown flashes of potential, but has also battled various ailments. He was questionable to play last week against Utah because of a rib injury, but did start. Dawkins didn’t last the entire game as he left with a concussion, and is now in the protocol.
If he can’t go, the reins will be passed to Khalil Tate for his first career start. Tate has completed 10-of-17 passes for 177 yards with three touchdowns and an interception in limited work. Arizona would rather have Dawkins, as he is more polished and is a nice dual threat with his arm and his legs.
Free ATS Pick
Arizona is just 2-4 overall and 0-3 in the Pac-12 on the season. The quarterback woes haven’t helped, but the Wildcats’ defense has also been poor, giving up 30.5 points and 458 yards of total offense.
Arizona has not done well against the spread this season, covering just one time in six tries.
USC is 2-3-1 against the spread. The Trojans have not covered in three road games, but on the flip side is 2-0 as the favorite. The Trojans seem like they have figured some things out, picking up quality wins over Arizona State and Colorado over the past couple weeks.
That trend should continue, although this one should be close. Take USC on the moneyline but Arizona to cover. Even though the Wildcats have some question marks at quarterback, the “over” is the correct play in a game that figures to have no shortage of big-time plays on both sides of the ball.
College Football Odds: USC 34, Arizona 30
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!
