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College Football Week 2 schedule and predictions

By Akash Anavarathan

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jalen Hurts
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 02: Jalen Hurts /
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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: Bryce Love of Stanford makes a break during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 27: Bryce Love of Stanford makes a break during the College Football Sydney Cup match between Stanford University (Stanford Cardinal) and Rice University (Rice Owls) at Allianz Stadium on August 27, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Steve Christo – Corbis/Corbis via Getty Images) /

No. 14 Stanford Cardinal at No. 6 USC Trojans

Kickoff: Saturday, Sep. 9, 8:30 p.m., FOX

A heavyweight matchup in the Pac-12 conference is upon us this weekend. After their dominant victory over Rice, Stanford will head to L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Saturday to take on USC.

The Trojans sputtered for about three quarters, keeping it close with Western Michigan, but pulling away late behind RB Ronald Jones II. Can Stanford prove it’s credibility and beat USC on the road or will USC and QB Sam Darnold show why it’s a National Championship contender?

Stanford at USC: Three Things to Watch

1. Stanford RB Bryce Love

Who’s missing RB Christian McCaffrey at Stanford? RB Bryce Love stepped into the main role in Week 1 and absolutely demolished Rice, rushing for 180 yards on 13 carries, including one touchdown.

USC’s rushing defense was porous against Western Michigan, so Love could have a field day on Saturday. His rushing totals will be critical for Stanford’s success. It’ll ease the pressure for QB Keller Chryst and the rest of the offense.

2. USC QB Sam Darnold looking to bounce back

Week 1 wasn’t great for USC’s signal caller. With high expectations for the season, Darnold didn’t throw a touchdown in Week 1. Matter of fact, he actually had two interceptions and a fumble against an un-ranked opponent.

He’ll be looking to bounce back from this performance and do a number on Stanford. The Cardinal defense was better than expected, so it’ll be fascinating to watch if Darnold can have a dominant day against Stanford.

3. Both of the rushing defenses

Stanford and USC have suspect defenses and this game will likely come down to which defense can get a key third-down stop to allow their offense back on to the field. Jones II for USC and Love for Stanford will look to have big days to carry their respective teams. I have a little more faith in the Cardinal defense and that will likely have the biggest impact in my game pick.

Prediction:

Stanford will run the ball a lot with Love, and if Chryst can make key throws and convert on third down, they’ll win this ball game. I like the Cardinal defense a tad more and hence I’m going to take the upset on the road here.

Stanford 41, USC 31

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