USC vs. Washington State odds and prediction for NCAA Week 3 game

The USC Trojans fired head coach Clay Helton and will be led into battle against the Washington State Cougars by interim head coach Donte Williams.

It had been a long time coming, but the Trojans are gearing up for their first game without Clay Helton at the helm since 2015.

Helton was let go after Stanford blew out the men of Troy on their home turf. Interim head coach Donte Williams faces his first challenge on the road.

Washington State opened their season with a loss to Utah State, putting Nick Rolovich in the spotlight for the wrong reasons again. However, the Cougars took on FCS Portland State in Week 2 and came away with a comfortable victory.

Is this Wazzu’s chance to catch the Trojans when they’re weakened? Or will the cardinal and gold rise up through adversity?

USC vs. Washington State Odds Week 3

Point Spread: USC -8.5
Moneyline: USC -340, Washington State +260
Over/Under: 62 points
All odds are courtesy of WynnBet

USC opened the week at a 10-point favorite, but the line has dropped with the major change the Trojans made to start the week.

The weather could also be an equalizing factor. It will be cold in Pullman on Saturday with the chance of rain.

USC vs. Washington State Prediction Week 3

There are two ways this could go.

One: Demoralized from an embarrassing loss to Stanford and reeling from the firing of a head coach the players by and large loved, the Trojans could come into Martin Stadium vulnerable to an early knockout punch.

Two: The team, already committed to bouncing back strong from the loss, comes out with a vengeance. Fired up by the relatable interim head coach leading them, the players let loose and take out their frustrations on the Cougars.

Given USC’s penchant for responding well to midseason firings, scenario No. 2 seems the most likely. This is still a talented team and now they have extra motivation to prove themselves.

Prediction: USC 36 – Washington State 20

Make your pick now on WynnBET.

USC Next Game and Schedule

• Sept. 25: vs. Oregon State
• Oct. 2: at Colorado
• Oct. 9: vs. Utah
• Oct. 16: Bye
• Oct. 23: at Notre Dame
• Oct. 30: vs. Arizona
• Nov. 6: at Arizona State
• Nov. 13: at California
• Nov. 20: vs. UCLA
• Nov. 27: vs BYU

If Williams and company survive this road trip, they’ll head back home to defend a long-standing win streak at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against the Oregon State Beavers. It’ll be the first time Trojan fans take in the team in the post-Helton era, so the atmosphere should be interesting.

What channel is the USC vs. Washington State game on Week 3?

The game will feature on FOX at 12:30 p.m. PT / 3:30 p.m. ET with Joe Davis and Brock Huard on the call.

USC vs. Washington State Live Stream Week 3

Date: Saturday, Sept. 18
Kickoff Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: FOX
Live Stream: FuboTV (7-day free trial available)

It’s easy to tune into the game whether you’re clicking on the TV or pulling it up on a live stream. FuboTV’s free trial for a week can get you started.

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