Rice vs. USC Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 1 (Rome Wasn't Built in a Day)

The most anticipated season in recent USC Trojans history gets underway with a home tilt against the Rice Owls this week. Head Coach Lincoln Riley and starting quarterback Caleb Williams hope to usher in a new era of Trojans football, and Williams is among the betting favorites to win the Heisman Trophy.

USC ended its 2021 campaign by losing six of seven, though Riley left Oklahoma as the winningest coach in program history (85%).

Rice hasn't achieved much recent success either, covering the spread just three times in its last 12 contests.

Can the Owls hang around or will the Trojans' earn a statement win to begin Riley's tenure?

Let's take a gander at the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook before finding the betting value in this Rice vs USC season opener:

Rice vs USC Odds, Spread and Total

Rice vs USC Betting Trends

Rice

• 3-9 against the spread (ATS) last 12 games

• OVER is 9-3 last 12 games

• 1-6 ATS last seven games as road underdogs

USC

• 1-6 ATS last seven games

• OVER is 6-0 last six home games

• 0-4 ATS last four games as home favorites

Rice vs USC Prediction and Pick

Lincoln Riley's USC transformation won't happen overnight, but the Trojans should feel confident about this Week 1 matchup against a Rice program that's just 4-26 in its last 30 games as road underdogs. Caleb Williams and Riley want to make a statement, and Rice's leaky defense will struggle to contain the new-look, explosive offense at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

That being said, there's a ton of work to do on the defensive side of the ball. Riley's Oklahoma teams weren't exactly known for stout defenses already, but the USC defense is perilously thin up front and Rice's methodical, ball-control style should frustrate the Trojans. Only one starter returned from the defensive line and linebacking group last year, while the Owls have a number of strong options to control time of possession and keep the ball away from Williams.

I think it's likely that people will bet USC from Riley's name recognition alone, and that's making this spread a bit too high. There's no doubt in my mind that Riley will successfully transform the Trojans' program, but it's going to take time. A 34-point spread implies the transformation is already complete, when it's clear that's not the case.

It's no fun to fade Riley, but that's what we've got to do. USC should win handily, but this spread is far too large for a team that's been terrible defensively and doesn't have depth up front. Hold your nose and bet the Owls.

Pick: Rice +34.0 (-110)

Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.