The USC Trojans and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns face off in a non-conference battle in Week 2. The game kicks off at 11:00 p.m. ET on Saturday in Los Angeles, California.
The Trojans are listed as 31.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 59.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 2 matchup.
USC vs. Louisiana Prediction, Preview
Louisiana Preview
The Ragin’ Cajuns opened the season with a solid win over FCS program Lamar. This is now the fifth season in Lafayette for Michael Desormeaux, and many of these players have been here for most of his journey. One of those players is quarterback Lunch Winfield, who is now in his fourth year at Louisiana under head coach Michael Desormeaux. Winfield was the starter for most of last season and is a solid dual-threat option. Desormeaux will hope that Winfield will take a big step forward in 2026 with a season of experience under his belt. Last week, redshirt freshman Darrell Smith also showed that he can be a real threat at running back, going for 84 yards and two scores on the ground. Louisiana should be a real player in the Sun Belt this season.
USC Preview
USC is one of the relatively few teams that is playing its third game of the season already. They have had two great performances to open the season. The Trojans dominated San Jose State for three quarters, before letting them put up some points against backups in the fourth quarter. Last week, they kept the hammer down, at least defensively, against Fresno State and won 39-0. Jayden Maiava has looked very sharp so far, with 635 yards, six total touchdowns and no turnovers through two games. Maiava should have another big game against Louisiana.
USC vs. Louisiana Pick, Best Bet
My best bet is for this game to go over 59.5 total points. USC was able to take it easy last week, and while they start conference play next week, it will be as big favorites against Rutgers. The Trojans should be able to let it rip in this game against Louisiana and put a big number on the board for the third straight week. Jayden Maiava runs this offense like a machine, with as many total touchdowns as incompletions through two games. USC has too many weapons for Louisiana to handle. However, the Ragin’ Cajuns should get a couple of scores on the board as well. Fresno State looked awful on offense last week, but Louisiana has the weapons to get a couple of touchdowns on the board, especially in garbage time against backups. That should lead to this game getting over the total.
