Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for USC vs. Minnesota

It took Minnesota a long time to win the 27-24 game in Ann Arbor, but the comeback fell short. An onside kick problem helped, and now the team needs something big to happen quickly.

The next three games are all away from home. This week, they play a LA team, and next week, they play UCLA. Before that, they still have to play Penn State. If you lose, it will be hard to get into the bowl game without winning four of the last six games.

For the first half, USC had trouble against Wisconsin, but in the second half, the defense locked down for a 38-21 win. But first, the Trojans need to make it out of Minneapolis without getting lost. Next week, Penn State will be here.

The series has been played six times, and USC has won six times. The first game was in 1953, and USC won 17–7. The most recent game was in 2011, and USC won 19–17 to start the season.

USC vs Minnesota Preview

USC vs Minnesota How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 6, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN
How to Watch: Big Ten Network
Minnesota (2-3), USC (3-1)

Why USC Will Win

There is no longer any passing game for Minnesota.

The offense ran the show when PJ Fleck was in charge, setting the pace and clock. The run game was strong, and the team won on power.

It takes way too much for the Gophers to pass the ball down the field, as their running game only gets 101 yards per game.

The team that controls the clock the most is USC, who keeps the ball for 32:41 per game.

Good play on third downs on both sides of the ball makes that possible. The defense stops more third downs than any other team in the Big Ten. MN needs to change that or it will be in trouble.

Why Minnesota Will Win

There is no pass rush from USC.

Even though the defense has been much, much better overall, it is not making a lot of stops for loss or big hits.

After getting QB Max Brosmer from New Hampshire, Minnesota has been happy with how well he has played as a middle passer. He throws the ball well 66% of the time and is great when he gets into a groove and has time to work.

No, Minnesota has not been able to stop Iowa’s running game in any way. But their pass defense is the best in the country, and…

USC vs Minnesota: Who Will Win

That Minnesota has the best pass defense is about to end.

Michigan and Iowa both do not throw well, and North Carolina did not do much after QB Max Johnson got hurt.

The USC passing game, led by Miller Moss, will be strong right away. In the second half, Minnesota’s lack of a running game and balance will cost them.