Ohio State at USC Predictions & Picks – Back Buckeyes For College Football Cover
- Ohio State tipped to cover -6.5 spread at USC
- Buckeyes' elite defense can offset absence of QB Julian Sayin
- Ohio State are 3-0 ATS on the road; USC are 2-6 ATS this season
Ohio State at USC Predictions & Picks
Ohio State are tipped to cover as they make it six wins in a row.
The loss of starting quarterback Julian Sayin does leave some question marks surrounding the offense, but this elite Buckeyes defense can pick up any slack to help ensure the cover.
- Ohio State are on a 5-game win streak
- Ohio State are 3-0-0 ATS on the road this season
- USC are 2-6-0 ATS so far this season
- The Under has cashed in all 3 of Ohio State’s road games
Head To Head
- USC lead the all-time series 13-10-1
- Ohio State won 24-7 when the two teams last met in December 2017
Ohio State Form
Ohio State head to California having rebounded from their sole defeat of the season so far, winning five straight games to improve to 6-1.
The Buckeyes kicked off the campaign with a 56-3 demolition of Ball State, but came up short in their first real test as they fell 24-23 at Texas.
They rebounded immediately with a 59-3 blowout of Kent State, and have backed that up by winning the first four games on their Big Ten slate.
Ohio State downed Illinois 42-19 at home, and followed that up with wins at Iowa, 31-14, and at home to Maryland, 45-16.
The Buckeyes then knocked off defending champions Indiana on the road, beating the Hoosiers 19-15 in their last outing.
USC Form
USC enter this matchup on the back of their second loss of the season, which has most likely ended their chances of making the Big Ten Championship.
The Trojans kicked off the campaign by winning three straight non-conference games, beating San Jose State 42-26, Fresno State 39-0 and Louisiana 49-30.
They then began their Big Ten schedule with a 42-35 win at Rutgers, but failed to follow that up a week later as they lost 41-27 at home to Oregon.
USC bounced back to down Washington 25-21, and then headed to Penn State for a 31-23 victory over the Nittany Lions.
The Trojans failed to make it three-in-a-row however, as they were beaten 24-7 in Wisconsin last weekend.
Verdict
The injury to Sayin is a massive blow for Ohio State, but they still boast one of the best defenses in college football.
The Buckeyes can shut down the Trojans here, ensuring they leave with the victory and the cover.
The Buckeyes can shut down the Trojans here, ensuring they leave with the victory and the cover.
Leigh Copson
Sports Editor • 25+ Years Experience, US & Combat Sports Specialist
US sports writer covering the NFL, NBA, NHL, boxing and MMA, with previews, predictions and betting tips across the major American leagues.
During his career at the Press Association and online sports sites including FreeTips and ExpertPicks.com, he has covered some of the biggest sporting events on the planet, including the Super Bowl, the Champions League Final and the World Cup Final.
He has also covered almost every major boxing match and UFC fight card during this time.. His specialist sports are American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts and Football.