The year is 2003. USC and Cal send young quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Aaron Rodgers out to the field to do battle in what turns out to be an epic game. Rodgers eventually outdueled Leinart and Cal won the triple-overtime battle. Though that game will resonate with fans of the two programs, the rivalry has been all USC ever since with the Trojans winning 13 consecutive contests against the Golden Bears.
- USC is 7-1 ATS in its last 8 games against Cal.
- The total has gone UNDER in 11 of USC’s last 13 games against Cal.
- USC is 6-0 ATS in its last 6 games against the Pac-12.
Just last season, USC’s offense made quick work of Cal, winning 45-24. Sam Darnold, who was starting just the fifth game of his collegiate career, threw for five touchdowns while running back Ronald Jones racked up 223 rushing yards.
Not a lot has changed for USC since that game last October, as Darnold and Jones are still the focal points of the team. However, Darnold has found himself plagued by interceptions during the 2017 campaign, with six picks through three games. Despite having some good pieces, USC’s offense has suffered through some major inconsistencies this season.
Expectations were not high for Cal entering the season, but going a perfect 3-0 in non-conference play has sparked plenty of intrigue in Berkeley. New coach Justin Wilcox has the Cal defense playing much better, though they are still susceptible to the big play. The team has wisely leaned on running back Patrick Laird on offense, with the junior averaging 7.5 yards per carry.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those siding with the visitors in this one saw the USC Trojans listed as 16-point favorites earlier this week at Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the OVER/UNDER betting line was unavailable earlier in the week, but should be posted shortly at Sportsbook.
Earlier, OddsShark computer prediction handicapping models run on this game picked a 50-24 victory for the Trojans. That score may change during the week, if injury or weather factors alter the numbers, so check the college football picks page before game time. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NCAAF matchups here.
USC Trojans vs California Golden Bears Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
California brings a 3-0 record (2-1 ATS) to the Week 4 matchup against the 3-0 USC Trojans, who are 1-2 against the spread. OVER/UNDER betting has seen California go 1-2 so far and the Trojans go 2-1. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and California vs USC injuries news.
According to the Power Rankings here at OddsShark it's the No. 81-rated California Golden Bears and the No. 8-rated USC Trojans in this matchup.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Sam Darnold led his team to victory last time out, throwing for 397 yards Saturday as the Trojans downed the Longhorns 27-24 at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
In their last game, the Golden Bears were Week 3 Sportsbooks, coming out on top of the Rebels by a score of 27-16.
- Southern California is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games
- Southern California is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern California's last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Southern California's last 12 games
- California is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
- California is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games at home
- California is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Southern California
- California is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Southern California
Next Betting Matchups
USC at Washington State, Friday, September 29
California at Oregon, Saturday, September 30
