:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56555503/usa_today_10256240.0.jpg)
The USC Trojans are just 2-7 straight up and 3-6 against the spread in their last nine games against the Stanford Cardinal, including a current stretch of 0-3 SU and ATS. The Trojans hope to turn things around this Saturday against their Pac-12 rivals in Los Angeles.
USC is a 6.5-point favorite at the Coliseum at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. The last time the Trojans were a favorite against Stanford they lost 41-31 as a 9.5-point favorite at home in 2015.
Stanford Cardinal at USC Trojans
When: Saturday, Sept. 9, 8:30 p.m. ET
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, Calif.
Betting Line / Total: USC -6.5 / 56 Points
USC Trojans
The Trojans stumbled out of the gate against the Western Michigan Broncos, turning what was supposed to be a tune-up game as 28-point favorites into a nail-biter that was tied 28-28 in the fourth quarter.
USC eventually pulled away, securing a 49-31 win and improving to 10-0 SU and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games in the process. Heisman hopeful Sam Darnold failed to record a touchdown pass in the game, breaking a streak of nine straight games with at least two touchdown passes.
Since getting upset at home by Washington on Oct. 8, 2015, USC is 10-0 SU and 7-3 ATS in its last 10 home games, per the OddsShark College Football Database.
Stanford Cardinal
With two Top 10 NFL draft picks departing in running back Christian McCaffrey and defensive end Solomon Thomas, it would be understandable if Stanford took a step backward this season.
But the Cardinal return eight starters on both sides of the ball, and they appear to have a new star in the backfield in Bryce Love who rushed for 180 yards and a touchdown on just 13 carries in last Thursday's 62-7 win over Rice. Stanford is 8-3 ATS in its last 11 games as an underdog and 6-2 SU in its last eight games as one.
Saturday's total is set at 56 points. The OVER is 4-1 in Stanford's last five games and 3-0 in USC's last three games.
The spread in this game indicates that bettors aren't too concerned with the Trojans' rocky start to the season last week. While it is wise not to overreact to one bad game, it would also be wise not to overlook the Cardinal. Stanford breezed to an easy victory and got an extra two days of rest and preparation before this matchup, which should be a good one between two of the Pac-12's best.
For more info, picks, and a breakdown of this week’s top sports betting news, check out the new OddsShark podcast with Jon Campbell and Andrew Avery. Subscribe on iTunes, or check it out at OddsShark.libsyn.com.