Why don’t we talk more about the rivalry between USC and UCLA? Is it because it isn’t as competitive as other rivalries? Is it because Californians are too busy ignoring the excitement of college football betting because Tony Hawk is planning a life change?
I suppose we’ll never know the answer. What we do know, however, is that this year’s Rose Bowl rumble has the potential to be one of the better games in recent memory. At least that’s the hope.
Let’s have a look at our best college football free picks and predictions for UCLA at No. 15 USC, with kickoff scheduled to get underway on Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
USC Trojans at UCLA Bruins Betting Preview
Weather
Whether you’re skateboarding or in the mood to watch some football, you should be able to bundle up and enjoy the setting. A temperature of 53 degrees is expected with wind out of the northeast at 4 mph. No rain is in the forecast. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key Injuries
USC: Jude Wolfe TE (out), Greg Johnson S (out), Kedon Slovis QB (ques), Ralen Goforth LB (ques), Ben Easington RB (ques), Palaie Goateote IV LB (ques), Tayler Kaota LB (ques).
UCLA: Dorian Thompson-Robinson QB (ques), Martell Irby RB (ques), Kazmeir Allen RB (ques), Jaylen Erwin WR (ques), Sitiveni Kaufusi LB (out).
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting Trend to Know
Home team is 12-5 ATS in their last 17 meetings. Find more NCAA betting trends for USC vs. UCLA.
Against the Spread (ATS) Pick
I can’t believe I’m writing this, but maybe head coach Chip Kelly is on the verge of turning things around at UCLA. The Bruins dropped their conference opener to currently-undefeated Colorado and lost a three-point decision to Oregon three weeks ago. However, UCLA has now won back-to-back games, coming off an impressive 25-18 victory versus Arizona State. Dynamo quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson rolled up a combined 242 yards and two scores to lead the way.
The Trojans will be motivated because a win puts them in the Pac-12 Championship Game—a loss would send Colorado instead, assuming the Buffaloes can beat Utah. USC boasts one of the best offenses in the country, and quarterback Kedon Slovis is why. Last week, the Trojans whipped Washington State 38-13, and Slovis carved up the Cougars defense by going 25-32 for 287 and five touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown is Slovis’ favorite target, and it showed on Saturday, with St. Brown grabbing four of those scores.
This game certainly feels like field goal affair, so the line is right on. As good as the Trojans have been, I love the way the Bruins have been trending, and their most lopsided loss of the season was only a four-point defeat to the Buffs. I’m backing the Bruins in a game that goes down to the wire.
PREDICTION: UCLA +3.0 (-110)
Over/Under Pick
When you have dynamic playmakers at quarterback, defenses can often get ignored, but we shouldn’t do that here. The Bruins held the Sun Devils to 18 points with a secondary that continues to improve, and the Trojans allowed only 13 points to Washington State. The Under is 10-3-1 in the last 14 meetings.
PREDICTION: Under 55.5 (-110)
Team Total Prop Pick
I get it. The Bruins slowing down the Sun Devils doesn’t necessarily translate into success against USC. However, I think Thompson-Robinson and running back Brittian Brown can run some clock and keep the Trojans offense off the field enough to slow them down. I’ll tell you who is never slowing down, though. Tony Hawk.
PREDICTION: USC team total Under 31.5 (-117)
USC vs UCLA Betting Card
- UCLA +3.0 (-110)
- Under 55.5 (-110)
- USC team total Under 31.5 (-117)
Did you know that if you parlayed today’s NCAA USC vs. UCLA picks, you could win $57.60 on a $10 bet?
Use our NCAA parlay calculator to create your own parlays and see their potential payouts.
Where Can I Bet on College Football?
You can bet on college football odds at every online and casino sportsbooks, including NCAA football point spreads, Over/Under totals, derivative bets and even prop plays as well. Head over to our best-suggested sportsbooks for the top spots to bet on college football odds in your area.
