The Rutgers Scarlet Knights face the USC Trojans in a Big Ten battle in Week 3. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The Trojans are listed as 21.5-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at O/U 57.5 points. Below is my full preview, prediction and best bet for this Week 3 matchup.
Rutgers vs. USC Prediction, Preview
USC Preview
The USC Trojans are looking to be the first team in the country to move to 4-0 on the season. The Trojans played a Week 0 game and are yet to have a bye. They sit alongside North Dakota State as the only 3-0 teams in the country. However, the Trojans have not really been tested yet. This game against a struggling Rutgers squad isn’t a huge test talent-wise, but this will be their first road game of the season. They are having to travel all the way across the country for their first Big Ten game of the season, and if they don’t show up with a strong effort, this game could get dangerous for them fast. The Trojans will also be without their standout freshman receiver Trent Mosley for this game.
Rutgers Preview
Rutgers has had a miserable start to their season. The Scarlet Knights started the season by losing as big favorites at home against UMass. They put up a more respectable effort on a road trip to Boston College last week, but came up short there as well. They are now staring an 0-3 start in the face and seem unlikely to make a bowl game this season. That could be the last straw for Greg Schiano in Piscataway. This season has a real chance of getting out of control in a hurry with how bad the Rutgers defense is. While it’s a big ask for Rutgers to pull off the upset here, a solid performance could at least steady the ship.
Rutgers vs. USC Pick, Best Bet
My best bet here is on the over 58.5 total points. The Trojans’ offense looks like a well-oiled machine. They are averaging 43.3 points per game so far this season. While that has been against inferior competition, this Rutgers defense is down there with the worst in the Power Four. The Scarlet Knights gave up 37 points at home against UMass in Week 1. USC should be able to hang a big number here without much effort.
Rutgers should get a couple of scores of their own, however. The USC defense might be improved, but still has some holes. They have also taken their foot off the gas late in games defensively. Louisiana scored 30 points against USC after the Trojans gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns. Meanwhile, San Jose State scored 23 fourth-quarter points against USC in Week 0. Even if it comes late in a blowout, Rutgers should score enough to help push this over the total.
