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Arkansas State vs USC preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info

By Josh Criswell

Sep 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Hector Aguilar rides the Southern California Trojans white horse mascot Traveler during the game against the Hawaii Warriors at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Hawaii 49-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Hector Aguilar rides the Southern California Trojans white horse mascot Traveler during the game against the Hawaii Warriors at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Hawaii 49-10. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arkansas State Red Wolves vs. USC Trojans

The Arkansas State Red Wolves are headed to Los Angeles for their season opener this Saturday against the No. 8 USC Trojans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC quarterback Cody Kessler is looking to entrench himself in the forefront of the Heisman Trophy discussion, while attempting to lead the Trojans back to college football greatness. Arkansas State will have senior Fredi Knighten returning under center, as the Red Wolves look to pull off a major upset.

Details for Saturday’s game are below:

Date: Saturday, September 5th
Start Time: 11:00 p.m. ET
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV Info: Pac-12 Network
Live Stream: Pac-12 Live
Radio: USC – ESPN LA 710 AM (Los Angeles), Arkansas State – KFIN 107.9 FM (Jonesboro, Ark.)
Ticket information: For USC ticket info click here. For Arkansas State ticket info click here.

Keys to Victory

USC:

There is no reason that the Trojans should lose this football game. They have a clearcut advantage in both the talent and coaching departments, and all signs point towards a return to the USC football glory days this season.

If the Trojans can protect the football, this game will not be close. That begins at the quarterback position, which should not be an issue. Cody Kessler was one of the best players in the country last season, and the same will be true in 2015. He threw for 39 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2014, and will be the focal point of an offense that possess some serious firepower.

Another factor that could lead to a USC blowout is a star performance from sophomore Adoree Jackson. The two-way threat has the ability to make a major impact on both sides of the ball at cornerback and receiver, as well as in the return game.

Arkansas State:

If Arkansas State is going to pull off the upset, they are going to need the performance of a lifetime from senior quarterback Fredi Knighten. Knighten is the very definition of a dual-threat quarterback, compiling 35 total touchdowns and over 4,000 total yards in 2014. He will need to constantly provide big plays on Saturday for the Red Wolves to keep this game within reach.

In addition, they will have to find a way to get pressure on Cody Kessler. This will be quite a difficult task, considering USC returns its entire starting offensive line. If both of these things happen, though, Arkansas State might have a fighting chance.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: USC -27.5

Money Line: Arkansas State +3000

O/U: 69.5

Prediction

If Arkansas State does not find an answer for quarterback Cody Kessler, running back Tre Madden and receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Steven Mitchell Jr., this game will get out of hand fast. USC’s offense has the ability to turn this game into a blowout after one quarter if they are not slowed down, and they have a plethora of talent and depth on the defensive side of the ball.

The Red Wolves have a high-powered offense of their own, however. Arkansas State featured one of the most prolific offenses in the country in 2014, averaging 476 total yards per game, and their up-tempo offense has the potential to create problems for their opponent. Ultimately, though, it will not be enough to upset the Trojans.

After overcoming a slow start, USC shakes off the rust and pulls away in the second half.

Final Score: USC 42, Arkansas State 24

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