USC vs. Stanford, Pac-12 Championship Game preview, predictions, viewing info

Final Prediction 

Things will be much closer this time around, but USC will emerge with a narrow victory to claim the Pac-12 South’s first win in the conference title game.

Friday’s matchup promises to be a classic clash between USC’s athleticism and Stanford’s physicality. In what could end up being a close, hard-fought game throughout, the Trojans’ superior ability to generate explosive plays will be a major difference maker.

Having Costello under center as opposed to Chryst will allow Stanford to keep things much closer this time, and even a hobbled Love is going to reel off a huge run or two. Still, Smith and the Trojans are as well-equipped as anyone to slow down Love, and Costello has yet to prove he can throw downfield enough to keep up with a high-octane offense like USC.

The Trojans haven’t shied away from Jones II over the past four games, and will likely keep feeding the junior after his terrific outing against the Cardinal the first time out. That will open up the field more for Darnold, who has generally been effective since the loss to Washington State in late September.

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USC’s main concern is going to be the offensive line, and Darnold could indeed make a mistake or two under constant pressure. That didn’t matter much in the first meeting, and Darnold’s advantage over Costello in playmaking ability will ultimately help the Trojans pull out the victory.