The No. 24 USC Trojans take on the Cal Golden Bears in a Pac-12 matchup in Week 9. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 28 from California Memorial Stadium.
USC has fallen from grace after a tough October. They suffered their first loss of a season in a blowout against Notre Dame in Week 7 before losing to Utah on a walk-off field goal in Week 8. With two losses, the Trojans are likely out of contention for a College Football Playoff berth. Quarterback Caleb Williams, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, passed for 256 yards and rushed for a touchdown in the loss. USC continues to struggle defensively, letting up 485 yards of offense.
Cal also fell to Utah in their most recent game before taking a bye in Week 8. In the 34-14 loss, quarterback Fernando Mendoza passed for 149 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. The Bears’ run game never quite got going, though it looked strong against Oregon State in Week 6 with two separate backs gaining 80 or more yards on the ground. Cal’s record is far from perfect, but they haven’t been a doormat this season — their offense has stepped things up in 2023.
Here’s everything you need to know and a pick for the game.
SP+ Rankings
USC: 13 overall, 1 offense, 65 defense
Cal: 72 overall, 65 offense, 72 defense
Injury update
USC
DL K Foreman – Out indefinitely (undisclosed)
Cal
OL Sioape Vatikani – Questionable (leg)
DB Raymond Woodie III – Questionable (undisclosed)
DL Darius Long – Questionable (undisclosed)
DL Ethan Saunders – Out indefinitely (undisclosed)
ATS/Total
Against The Spread in 2023
USC: 2-6 ATS
Cal: 2-5 ATS
Total in 2023
USC: Over 7-1
Cal: Over 4-3
Team Pace (through Week 7)
USC: 2.27 plays per minute of offense
Cal: 2.53 plays per minute of offense
Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread: USC -10
Total: 67
Moneyline: USC -425, Cal +330
Weather
69 degrees, sunny, 9 MPH winds N with 20 MPH wind gusts
Our Best Bet for USC vs. California
Over 67
USC has been falling apart at the seams over the last few weeks on defense, but their offense should remain as powerful as ever. They’ll be looking to make a statement in Berkeley after two losses and remain in contention for a Pac-12 title. Cal, similar to USC, has a powerhouse offense and gives very little consideration to defense. Cal has scored 30 or more points in four of its last five games.