Stanford vs. USC prediction, odds: How to bet and watch online

Stanford and USC will get their Pac-12 schedules started when they meet Saturday evening. Here’s what you need to know to watch, or bet on, this rivalry game.

Stanford and USC are both undefeated and are both searching for national recognition as they come into this early season rivalry game. The Cardinals and the Trojans took care of their season openers against weaker opponents, with Stanford stymying Northwestern and USC outscoring Fresno State.

These two teams will take completely different approaches to trying to win this contest. Stanford will be content to try and slug things out in a defense-first match up. USC, meanwhile, will do everything it can to test out its new air raid based offense and stretch the field as often as possible.

As seen in week one, both of these methods are definitely viable for producing wins.

But, in week one, Stanford certainly seemed to be a more solid team than USC did. The Cardinal took on Northwestern, who is by no means a powerhouse, but does deserve a bit more respect than Fresno State does. That’s not meant as any disrespect towards Fresno State, but the Bulldogs aren’t quite as good as they were last season.

Stanford’s method for winning may not have been as pretty as USC’s, but it was certainly effective and prevented Northwestern from attempting a late comeback like Fresno State did.

How to bet on and watch Stanford vs. USC

Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
Start Time: 9:30 p.m. CT
Location: Los Angeles, California
Stadium: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV Info: ESPN
Odds: USC –3
Over/Under: 43
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Prediction

USC should have just enough firepower to make Stanford’s defense sweat a bit Saturday evening. While the Trojans aren’t quite as good as the Cardinal on defense, the Cardinal don’t appear to be anywhere in the same realm as USC on offense. If Stanford is able to keep this game a low-scoring, slower affair, then the Cardinal could realistically come out on top.

That said, USC is likely to break out a few new looks on offense that it didn’t in its season opener. And the Trojans have had another week of practice to iron out issues in its new offense. The Trojans and the Cardinal should be set for a close, intriguing match up, but USC should be able to come out on top if J.T. Daniels can have an efficient ball game.

Score: USC 27, Stanford 21