The Georgia Southern Eagles take on the USC Trojans in Los Angeles, CA. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
USC is favored by 28.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -6500. The total is set at 60.5 points.
Here’s my Georgia Southern vs. USC prediction and college football picks for Saturday, September 6.
Georgia Southern Eagles vs USC Trojans Prediction, Picks
- Georgia Southern vs. USC Pick: Over 60.5 (Play to 62)
My USC vs Georgia Southern best bet is on both teams to go over the total. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.
Georgia Southern vs USC Odds
| Georgia Southern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+29.5 -118 | 61.5 -105o / -115u | +2000 |
| USC Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-29.5 -110 | 61.5 -105o / -115u | -10000 |
- Georgia Southern vs USC Spread: USC -29.5, Georgia Southern +29.5
- Georgia Southern vs USC Over/Under: 61.5
- Georgia Southern vs USC Moneyline: USC ML -10000, Georgia Southern ML +2000
Georgia Southern vs USC Saturday College Football Preview
Georgia Southern Eagles
There is one massive issue that will have Georgia Southern scrambling to stop the USC offense.
The Eagles don't force enough turnovers. They finished 106th nationally in Havoc last season, a stat that tracks turnovers, sacks and pressures. That lack of pressure led to a defense that ranked 113th in Success Rate allowed.
Georgia Southern picked up right where it left off in Week 1, ranking 130th among teams that played in Success Rate allowed. The Eagles did that against Fresno State, which also scored seven points against a reasonably average Kansas defense.
The Eagles can't generate enough pressure to stop USC's passing attack. The Trojans showed against Missouri State that they'll throw the ball for all 60 minutes.
On offense, there is slightly more room for optimism.
Specifically, the Eagles are a good red-zone offense. They scored touchdowns on both trips into Fresno State's red zone last week.
USC Trojans
The Trojans clamped down on Missouri State, holding the Bears' offense to a 42% Success Rate.
Then again, it's fair to ask if USC is good or if Missouri State is bad.
The Trojans rank first nationally in Defensive TARP, but last year's unit was brutal. They're likely improved, but I remain unconvinced following a Week 1 performance against a lowly offense.
I'm bearish on the defense, but I'm bullish on the offense.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava is a must-watch player. He loves to push the ball downfield, leading all Big Ten quarterbacks in percentage of throws 20-plus yards downfield last season.
The Trojans posted a 78% Pass Success Rate against Missouri State, averaging 14.4 yards per attempt.
If Maiava can keep the turnovers under control, USC should be able to move the ball through the air at will.
Georgia Southern vs USC NCAAF Week 2 Pick to Make
USC could score 60 points on its own, and it showed the willingness to run up the score last week.
If Georgia Southern can generate a few big plays and convert in the red zone, I feel good about the Eagles' chances of also putting up a few points.
Pick: Over 60.5 (Play to 62)
