Penn State Nittany Lions vs USC Trojans Prediction, 10/12/2024 College Football Picks, Best Bets & Odds

Game: Penn State Nittany Lions vs USC Trojans

Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024

Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA

TV: CBS

Odds/Point Spread: Trojans (+5.0)

Total/Over-Under: 48

The USC Trojans (3-2) will try to defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0) at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 12, 2024. USC opens this contest as 5.0-point dogs. The betting total comes in at 48.

The Penn State Nittany Lions head into this game 5-0 this season. In their last game, the Nittany Lions went up against the UCLA Bruins and notched a win by a score of 27-11. For the game, they ran 54 plays which totaled 322 yds. The Penn State Nittany Lions ran the ball a total of 30 times and accumulated 85 yards, earning them an average of 2.8 yds per attempt. Against the rush, the Nittany Lions gave up 93 yards on 29 attempts, which averages out to 3.2 yards per rush surrendered. Penn State gave up 22 pass completions on 30 tries for 167 yards, and a completion percentage of 73.3%.

Regarding putting points on the board, the Penn State Nittany Lions are averaging 34.4 points per contest. As a team they're averaging 217.8 yards via the ground game ranking them 17th in D-1. The Nittany Lions currently have 2,309 yards in total for the season. With reference to scoring touchdowns, Penn State has amassed 12 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns. Penn State has tallied 124 1st downs as a unit, and they have been hurt by 30 infractions for 284 yards. They have surrendered the ball 3 different times.

The Nittany Lions sit in 8th in D-1 when it comes to their opponents scoring, conceding 11.4 points per game. The opposition is running for 2.5 yards per tote and 76.2 rushing yards per contest so far this season. Overall, they have given up 381 yards via the ground game in 5 games. Regarding passing yards, the Nittany Lions are allowing 785 yards which has them sitting in 10th in the nation. They have yielded 157.0 yards per game via the pass and allowed a completion percentage of 58.4%. In total, they are allowing 233.2 yards per outing which has them sitting 4th in the country. They have yielded 4 touchdowns via the pass as well as 2 touchdowns running the ball.

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The Trojans head into this game 3-2 for this season. When they last stepped on the field, the Trojans took a defeat with a final score of 24-17 when they faced the Minnesota Golden Gophers. USC surrendered 40 rushing attempts for 193 yds (4.8 yards per rush). The Trojans secondary gave up a completion rate of 78.9%, relinquishing 169 yds on 15 for 19 through the air. The Trojans finished with 373 yds on 66 plays (5.7 yds per play). USC ran the ball for 6.2 yds per attempt, totaling 173 yards on 28 attempts.

When it comes to their scoring prowess, the Trojans are sitting 58th in the country averaging 30.8 points per game. The USC Trojans are averaging 442.4 yards per game, which ranks them 36th in D-1. The USC offense has accrued 221 penalty yards on 31 violations, which is 79th in the country in terms of making mistakes. They have thrown 4 interceptions while surrendering 5 fumbles and they have been able to record 120 first downs. During the season to this point, the Trojans have compiled 1,464 yards through the air as well as an average of 292.8 throwing yards per contest, which has them ranked 20th in D-1. They are averaging 149.6 rushing yards per game and have run for 748 yards for the season.

USC has allowed the opposition a total of 793 rushing yards (158.6 yards per contest) as well as 8 touchdowns via the rush so far this season. They have conceded 3 touchdowns through the air as well as 157.6 yards per game, which has them in 13th in college football. Their defense has compiled 4 fumbles recovered and 3 picks for the year. The Trojans defense has participated in 282 plays, which is good for 8th in Division 1. The Trojans are surrendering 18.4 PPG, which has them ranked 29th in D-1. In total, they have conceded 0 points.

Who will win tonight's Nittany Lions/Trojans college football game against the spread?

Tony's Pick: Take the Nittany Lions -5.0

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