USC Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks on from the sidelines against the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

This game was originally scheduled for 2019, but was pushed ahead and should be a good tune-up before an important Week 2 showdown. The Trojans will be breaking in a new starter at quarterback, and the battle is currently between Redshirt freshman Jack Sears and true freshman phenom JT Daniels.

I said in the opening that Stephen Carr should be productive, and this is his first chance to carry the heavy load of the team. In every home game last season, the Trojans carried the ball at least 30 times and averaged 39 carries for 185 yards per game. Expect Carr to get at least 25 and finish with a healthy 130 yards and a pair of scores.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Trojans have one of the best secondaries in the country, and free safety All-American candidate Marvell Tell III should make plays all over the field. If the defense can shut down speedster Armani Rogers in the first quarter, it could lead to an easy victory for the Trojans.

Prediction: UNLV 17, USC 41 (1-0)

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