College football today brings No. 2 Ohio State to USC for a Halloween night Big Ten matchup. The Buckeyes are 6-1, but their playoff outlook has changed dramatically with Julian Sayin sidelined. USC enters 6-2 after a disappointing loss at Wisconsin.
This preview examines whether Ohio State's defense can compensate for an inexperienced quarterback and whether USC can keep the contest close. Prime Sportsbook favors the Buckeyes by seven points, while the total sits at 51. Our college football predictions separate the likely winner from the wagers worth considering.
College Football Games Today
Saturday's Week 9 schedule includes important conference contests and ranked teams, with Ohio State's trip to Los Angeles among the most intriguing.
Who Plays Football Today?
No. 2 Ohio State visits USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 31. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC. The Buckeyes are 4-0 in Big Ten play, while the Trojans are 3-2.
Top NCAAF Games on Today’s Schedule
No. 17 Florida faces No. 3 Georgia, and No. 22 Arizona visits No. 13 Texas Tech. No. 1 Miami plays at North Carolina at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Ohio State-USC adds the complication of a favorite preparing a new quarterback.
NCAAF Preview for Today’s Top Matchups
The biggest issue for Ohio State is whether its defense can make up for the disruption on offense.
Ranked College Football Matchups
The Buckeyes beat Indiana 19-15 on October 17 before their bye week. USC lost 24-7 at Wisconsin on October 24. Both teams have six victories, but recent offensive results create questions about Saturday's scoring potential.
Conference Games to Watch
Ohio State leads this comparison defensively, allowing 13.4 points and 264.3 yards per game. USC allows 25.1 points and 350.0 yards. Offensively, the teams have been more similar: Ohio State averages 476.3 yards, while USC gains 462.4. Those numbers favor the Buckeyes overall, although their season offensive averages largely reflect games with Sayin available.
College Football Lines Today
Prime Sportsbook's NCAAF odds establish Ohio State as the favorite, but the point spread leaves room for a tight finish.
Point Spreads and Moneylines
| Market | Ohio State | USC |
| Spread | -7 (-113) | +7 (-103) |
| Moneyline | -266 | +227 |
Ohio State must win by more than seven to cover, while a seven-point victory pushes the spread. A USC loss by six or fewer would cover for the Trojans. The moneyline prices make a Buckeyes victory costly to back outright.
College Football Over/Under Lines
Prime lists the total at 51 points, with both sides priced at -108. A combined 51 points pushes the wager. The scoring averages deserve caution because Ohio State is preparing for its first full game without Sayin. These are pregame odds and can change before kickoff.
College Football Predictions Today
Ohio State remains the predicted winner, primarily because of its defense, but the final margin is less certain.
Predictions for Today’s Biggest Games
The Buckeyes allow only 13.4 points per game, compared with USC's offensive average of 36.4. Projecting the Trojans for 20 recognizes their scoring ability but discounts it against that defense and their seven-point showing at Wisconsin. Ohio State averages 39.3 points, yet USC allows 25.1 and the Buckeyes must replace Sayin. A reduced Ohio State output is reasonable. Projected score: Ohio State 24, USC 20.
Potential Upsets to Watch
USC's 4-1 home record gives the Trojans an opportunity if the Buckeyes' replacement quarterback struggles. Still, Ohio State's defense makes a USC upset difficult to back at +227.
College Football Picks for Today
Picking winners differs from finding value. The spread is a pass despite our four-point projected margin.
Against-the-Spread Picks
USC +7 (-103) might initially appeal because the Trojans are 4-1 at home and Ohio State faces a quarterback transition. But the betting records point the other way: Ohio State is 5-2 ATS, including 3-0 away, while USC is 2-6 ATS and 1-4 at home. Those conflicting signals prevent a confident selection.
Moneyline Picks
Ohio State should win, but -266 is an unattractive price amid offensive changes. USC +227 pays more, but the Trojans' 24-7 loss at Wisconsin gives little reason to back them outright. No moneyline wager is recommended.
College Football Best Bets
The case for a lower-scoring game is more persuasive than either side of the spread.
Best Bet of the Day
Under 51 (-108) is our preferred wager. Ohio State's defense allows just 13.4 points per game, and the Buckeyes are replacing Sayin while also missing running back Ja'Kobi Jackson. USC managed seven points at Wisconsin in its most recent game. Our projected 24-20 result totals 44, seven points below Prime's line. Exactly 51 points would push.
Best Value Betting Opportunities
There is no second bet strong enough to recommend. USC +7 could cash in a close loss, but the Trojans' 2-6 ATS mark argues against forcing the play. Neither moneyline offers a better alternative.
Key Factors Behind Today’s College Football Predictions
Ohio State's injuries reshape expectations for its offense and the betting markets.
Quarterbacks, Injuries and Team News
Julian Sayin is out indefinitely with a throwing-arm injury. Luke Fahey held the backup job, but Ryan Day is evaluating him alongside Tavien St. Clair and has not named Ohio State's starter for the USC game as of this writing. Buckeyes running back Ja'Kobi Jackson is out following foot surgery. Separate from him, leading rusher Bo Jackson is questionable with a shoulder injury.
Recent Form and Home-Field Advantage
Ohio State won 19-15 at Indiana and has a 2-1 road record. It covered all three road games, including its 24-23 loss at Texas as a 2.5-point underdog. USC is 4-1 at home but enters off the Wisconsin defeat.
Final College Football Picks and Predictions Today
Ohio State's defense provides the clearest reason to favor the Buckeyes, but an unsettled quarterback situation makes a seven-point spread difficult to trust. USC has home-field advantage and a productive season-long offense, yet its recent performance and poor ATS record offer mixed signals. Our college football best bet is under 51 (-108) at Prime Sportsbook, with Ohio State projected to win 24-20. We are passing on both the spread and moneyline. Review the starting quarterback decision and late injury updates before kickoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Plays College Football Today?
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No. 2 Ohio State visits USC at 7:30 p.m. Eastern on NBC on Saturday, October 31. Other notable games include Florida against Georgia and Arizona at Texas Tech.
Where Can I Find College Football Lines Today?
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Prime Sportsbook offers college football spreads, totals and moneylines on its NCAAF football page. Ohio State is -7 (-113) against USC, with a game total of 51 at -108 on either side.
What Are the Best College Football Picks Today?
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Under 51 (-108) is our preferred play for Ohio State-USC. We predict Ohio State to win 24-20 but recommend passing on the spread and moneyline.
How Are College Football Predictions Made?
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Strong predictions compare each team's offense, defense, recent opponents, injuries, and home-road performance against the betting lines. They also account for changing circumstances, such as Ohio State replacing its starting quarterback.
What Should I Look for in NCAAF Expert Picks?
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Look for accurate odds, a specific case for each wager and honest discussion of uncertainty. A forecast that identifies the likely winner does not automatically justify betting the favorite.
