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USC vs. Stanford is the primetime game on ABC this weekend, taking the 7:30 p.m. Eastern time slot. It’ll be a first look for many at the No. 10 Trojans, who are coming off a blowout Week 1 win over Rice. Stanford, meanwhile, took down FCS Colgate last weekend.
USC vs. Stanford preview
Last year, Stanford went to the LA Coliseum and beat the Trojans, 42-28. That led to Clay Helton’s firing. This year, a revamped USC squad will be eager to pay the Cardinal back for that loss on Stanford’s home field.
Lincoln Riley, USC’s new coach, got his tenure off to a great start with a 66-14 rout of Rice last weekend. Oklahoma transfer QB Caleb Williams was electric, completing 19 of his 22 passes for 249 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. He also led the Trojans with 68 rushing yards on 6 carries.
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Both of Williams’ touchdown throws were to Jordan Addison, the reigning Biletnikoff Award winner who transferred to USC from Pitt this offseason. Stanford will have to do a better job of slowing him down to pull off the upset win.
Oregon transfer RB Travis Dye only had 5 carries for 20 yards, but he wasn’t needed as much against the Owls. He also had 3 catches for 21 yards.
In Stanford’s 41-10 romp over Colgate, QB Tanner McKee threw for 308 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. EJ Smith led the rushing attack, going for 118 yards and 2 touchdowns on only 11 carries.
For the Cardinal to have a chance on Saturday night, McKee and the offense are going to have to have a great game. Look for McKee to look for WR Michael Wilson early and often, as he had 5 catches for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns last week.
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Can the Cardinal pull off another upset of the Trojans? It’ll be much tougher this year than last year, even though Saturday night’s game is in the Bay Area.
USC vs. Stanford prediction
The Trojans have been unpredictable in years past. And, now, they might be the Pac-12’s best hope for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Will they rise to the occasion and pick up a tough road victory?
Williams, Dye and Addison are a great trio of playmakers offensively and should be too much for the Cardinal defense to handle. Stanford keeps it close, but the Trojans tack on a dagger touchdown in the fourth quarter to win by 2 scores.
Prediction: USC 37, Stanford 24
Adam is a daily fantasy sports (DFS) and sports betting expert. A 2012 graduate of the University of Missouri, Adam now covers all 16 SEC football teams. He is the director of DFS, evergreen and newsletter content across all Saturday Football brands.
