Colorado vs USC: Odds, Picks, Predictions (11/11/22)

Colorado visits USC this week after getting blown out at home against Oregon. USC, on the other side, is coming off a closer than expected win against Cal. This should be an interesting matchup for the Pac-12 pecking order. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!

Colorado vs. USC Prediction & Pick

The Pick: USC -34

USC has established itself as one of the best offenses in the entire country this year. They are scoring at will this year, in just year one under Lincoln Riley. The standouts have been the transfer additions like Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, and Travis Dye. The offense averages 41 points and 496 total yards. The cause for concern with the Trojans is the defense not having a ton of depth. However, there is still a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball, especially at linebacker with Eric Gentry leading the way. The Trojans are also very good at causing turnovers, even if there is a little luck involved there.

Colorado has been one of the worst, if not the worst, Power Five team in all of the country. The offense only scores 16 points a game and the defense allows 40 points a game too. Colorado is in need of major help across the board and they aren’t going to see it for a few years, after hiring a new head coach. Situationally, it just feels like Colorado is in for a really long night. Take the Trojans here, regardless of how high the number is, Colorado is just that bad.

Colorado vs. USC Odds

USC is a 34-point home favorite against Colorado and there are no money line odds just yet. The over/under is also at 66. USC being this big of a favorite would jump out to anyone, but it makes sense because Colorado has been one of the worst teams in the entire country this year. The over/under also makes sense because oddsmakers are banking on a USC blow out and to get there then there will be a lot of scoring. USC also has an offense that can score at will. This spread could come down a bit just because it’s so big, but it will stay high regardless.

Colorado vs. USC Key Matchups

Can Colorado contain Caleb Williams? Can USC slow down Jordyn Tyson?

Caleb Williams vs the Colorado Secondary

Caleb Williams has played like the best transfer in the country. He has 2,742 passing yards, 28 passing touchdowns, one interception, and he has a 65% completion percentage on the year. His best game was against Arizona two weeks ago when he threw for 411 passing yards, five touchdowns, and had a 69% completion percentage. Colorado has been very bad against the pass and gives up 251 passing yards a game. If Colorado can’t contain Caleb Williams, then this game will be over very fast. Williams is the key to USC’s offense, and could continue his Heisman Trophy campaign too if Colorado just has no answer for him.

Jordyn Tyson vs the USC Secondary

Jordyn Tyson has been a huge bright spot for Colorado. He has 22 receptions, 470 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on the year. His best game was actually just last week against Oregon where he caught five passes for 137 receiving yards and one touchdown. USC has not been good against the pass and gives up 267 passing yards a game on the year. Jordyn Tyson has a chance to have a very productive game here because of how bad USC’s pass defense has been. If Colorado is going to have any chance in this game then they need to get Tyson going and get him a lot of targets. The USC pass defense has been injured a bit, so Tyson definitely has a chance to have a big game here.