The USC Trojans look to continue their strong start to the season when they head to West Lafayette for a Big Ten Conference opener against the Purdue Boilermakers.
Both teams are 2-0, but don’t let that fool you — these teams are of a remarkably different caliber.
See why I’m taking the Trojans to win in a landslide in my USC vs. Purdue predictions and college football picks for Saturday, September 13.
USC vs Purdue prediction
USC vs Purdue best bet: USC -21.5 (-102)
Lincoln Riley seems to have heard the not-so-quiet whispers that he’s lost his fastball. Through two games, the USC Trojans lead the country in scoring offense (66 ppg) and total offense (676 total yards per game).
They look like a team making a statement that they're back, and while time will tell if that’s true, the early results are certainly promising.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava averaged more yards per attempt (16.8) than any other signal caller in the country, and he has two star receivers (Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane) and a stud RB in Waymond Jordan around him.
The program committed to a stronger defense, and that should pay off in Year 2 under rising star defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn.
Vegas is a believer in this team, and so am I — you can see the linear progression of this program. The pieces are there, and now it’s time to prove it.
The Purdue Boilermakers are in Year Zero of a rebuild under Barry Odom, who tore the roster down to the bones and has no expectations of competing until another year or two down the road. The Trojans should roll in another easy victory.
USC vs Purdue same-game parlay
Lane has recorded 50+ receiving yards in four of his last six games and should feast against an overmatched secondary that ranks 77th in passing success rate allowed despite facing two cupcakes.
Waymond Jordan broke out with 16 carries for 167 yards and a touchdown last week, forcing five missed tackles while averaging 8.4 yards after contact per attempt.
USC thinks it found a gem in the portal, and I agree — Jordan rushed for 1,614 yards and 20 touchdowns for Hutchinson CC last year.
USC vs Purdue SGP
- USC -21.5
- Ja'Kobi Lane 50+ receiving yards
- Waymond Jordan Over 87.5 rushing yards
Our deep-ball SGP: Maiava makin money moves
- Maiava has three rushing scores in his last four starts.
USC vs Purdue SGP
- USC -21.5
- Ja'Kobi Lane 50+ receiving yards
- Waymond Jordan Over 87.5 rushing yards
- Jayden Maiava anytime touchdown
USC vs Purdue odds
- Spread: USC -21.5 | Purdue +21.5
- Moneyline: USC -1400 | Purdue +850
- Over/Under: Over 58.5 | Under 58.5
USC vs Purdue trend to know
Purdue is 3-10 ATS in its last 13 games. Find more college football betting trends for USC vs Purdue.
How to watch USC vs Purdue
| Location | Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN |
| Date | Saturday, September 13, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | CBS |
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