Week 4 of the college football season features a Pac-12 showdown between USC and Arizona State. In our ongoing college football odds coverage, we will provide USC-Arizona State our predictions and picks. USC is the heavy favorite and will take its 3-0 record and No. 5 ranking on the road to Tempe, Ariz., to face the 1-2 Arizona State Sun Devils. Arizona State narrowly won its home opener against FCS opponent Southern Utah by just 3 points but has since struggled. Let’s examine the odds and get to our USC-Arizona State pick.
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USC-Arizona State Pick & Betting Prediction | CFB Week 4
USC-Arizona State Odds
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Arizona State: +2200 | USC: -10000
Arizona State +34.5: -104 | USC -34.5: -118
Over 61.5: -110 | Under 61.5: -110
Expert: Tim Speros
USC-Arizona State Pick & Prediction
Trojans Keep Rolling
USC is on a roll, with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams leading the nation’s highest-scoring offense at 59.3 points per game. The Pac-12 boasts five teams in the top 10 for total offense, providing plenty of opportunities for Williams to continue posting impressive stats in games with high totals and closer point spreads. However, this week, expect more of the same from Williams, who leads the nation with a 240.5 passing efficiency. He should have efficient numbers, several touchdowns and likely a reduced workload. In just three games, backup quarterback Miller Moss has already thrown 32 passes for 302 yards, as USC wisely rests Williams during blowout victories. USC exhibits both talent and balance, with five different players scoring rushing touchdowns and 17 different receivers making catches. This fourth-ranked offense will be a formidable challenge for any opponent and is expected to dominate the field.
Sun Devils Struggle on Offense
USC’s fourth-ranked pass rush is set to face a backup quarterback and the nation’s second-worst-rated passing attack. With opening week starter Jaden Rashada expected to miss four to six weeks and two other quarterbacks nursing injuries from last week, the Sun Devils have only two healthy quarterbacks on the roster: Freshman Hunter Herrera and sophomore Jacob Conover. Conover completed just 6 of 16 passes and threw two interceptions in relief last week against Fresno State. Can the Sun Devils control the ball and establish a ground game? Their workhorse, Cameron Skattebo, leads the team with 36 carries, two touchdowns and 4.1 yards per carry. However, most of these numbers came against Oklahoma State (158 rushing yards per game allowed) and FCS opponent Southern Utah.
Final USC-Arizona State Prediction
Do the Sun Devils have a chance in this matchup? There’s always a chance, but it’s a slim one, as indicated by the -10000 moneyline.
The Trojans are poised for a convincing victory, and Williams should have ample opportunities to score with favorable field position throughout the game. USC has a 2-1 record against the spread this season, scoring 56, 66 and 56 points in their games, while Arizona State is 0-3 against the spread, averaging just 13 points per game. This one might turn one-sided, but there’s always a possibility for the underdog to score a meaningless touchdown in the fourth quarter with backups on the field. USC -34.5 is OK, but the best bet here is the first-half spread.
USC-Arizona State Best Bet: USC First Half – 20.5 (-115, BetMGM)
