USC Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

A rematch of the Week 2 meeting between these teams will have a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl on the line as each team should only have one loss.

Going by my score predictions, USC will be averaging just under 40 points per game entering this contest. This offense is fueled by the ground game and will be one of the hardest to slow down in the country.

Normally you think a great offense is led by a high-flying passing attack but Stephen Carr is the real deal and by the end of this season he should be a front-runner for the Heisman.

Bryce Love is the arguably the best back in college football there’s no denying that. His only poor games this season will be against the Trojans. I expect him to be shut down in the championship game he will get shut down again and lose his bid at the Heisman.

So how will the offense do for Stanford if Love isn’t picking up five to six yards per carry? Stanford will get into a game they don’t want to get into which will force them to throw the ball more on first and second down. Two interceptions by the Trojan defense early will lead to quick scores and will set the tone for the rest of the game.

Stanford has a very strong offensive line but the Trojans front seven will be in the backfield all game long and should rack up five sacks.

The Trojans will come away with another good victory against Stanford in what has become one of the marquee Pac-12 games every season and will potentially punch their ticket into the playoffs.

Prediction: USC 38, Stanford 20 (12-1)