Fresno State vs USC offers the best quarterback duel of the week. It’s the Trojans’ Heisman candidate, Caleb Williams, going against the Bulldogs’ NFL prospect, Jake Haener. If you’re a fan of offense, this is the game to watch.
Check the latest NCAAF picks, stats, injury reports and NCAAF odds for Bulldogs vs Trojans. We’ve plenty of NCAAF predictions for you to consider.
Fresno State Bulldogs
Coach Kalen DeBoer left in the offseason to go to Washington. Despite losing its coach, Fresno State, out of the Mountain West, is still one of the best teams in the conference. Jeff Tedford’s second stint with the Bulldogs has gone well thus far.
The passing game has been solid. Through two games, Haener has 737 yards, three touchdowns and a 157.3 passer rating. Haener is truly looking like one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation.
This is ridiculous from Jake Haener pic.twitter.com/XO3xi1xVzd
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) September 11, 2022
The Bulldogs are getting consistent play out of their receivers, as Nikko Remigio comes off consecutive 100-yard games. Fresno State is averaging 4.9 yards per carry as well. Jordan Mims had 122 yards (5.8 yards per carry) in the season’s second game.
Fresno State’s offense is humming. Defense, on the other hand, has some issues. The Fresno State Bulldogs lost a 35-32 heartbreaker at home to Oregon State last week, having surrendered two touchdowns within the final 1:50. The visitors went 73 yards in 58 seconds, scoring a touchdown on the final play.
USC Trojans
Starting the season ranked No. 14 in the nation, the USC Trojans have steadily climbed the poll. Now, after a 41-28 win over Stanford, they’re at No. 7. According to college football lines, USC’s the clear favorite to win the Pac-12, priced at +150.
USC hasn’t been a disappointment, either. Williams has led the unit with ease, the second-lowest odds (+300) to win the Heisman. Jordan Addison has been college football’s best wideout, with Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba out (hamstring). Addison did erupt against Stanford, as in 172 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He averaged over 24 yards per reception. Transfer running back Travis Dye has made an immediate impact as well, 105 rushing yards (7.5 yards per carry) against the Cardinal.
Defense, after playing well against Rice, saw the Stanford offense hurt them with balance (220 passing yards, 221 rushing yards). However, the defense made crucial plays in that 41-28 win. Four turnovers (two interceptions and two fumbles) doomed Stanford, as did five sacks.
Bulldogs vs Trojans Injury Report
Fresno State reports no injuries.
USC’s defensive end Romello Height and left tackle Courtland Ford are questionable.
Fresno State vs USC Head-to-Head
USC is 3-1 against Fresno State. Back n 2019, USC defeated the Bulldogs, 31-23.
Bulldogs vs Trojans Game Information
- Game: Bulldogs vs Trojans
- Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CZ
- Day/Time: Saturday, Sept.17, 10:30 p.m. ET
- Bulldogs vs Trojans Live stream: MLB.tv
Fresno State vs USC Betting Lines
Team | Point Spread | Moneyline | Over/Under |
Fresno State | +11½ (-110) | +350 | 74 (-110o) |
USC | -11½ (-110) | -450 | 74 (-110u) |
Bulldogs vs Trojans Prediction
This will be a great measuring stick with regard to the defense of USC. Haener will be the best quarterback the Trojans see in the regular season. They cannot allow over 400 yards and depend upon turnovers again. Haener typically takes care of the ball (nine interceptions in 2021).
FSU cannot run with USC. Williams has been as advertised, and Fresno State’s defense has been inconsistent through two weeks. USC will cover, becoming 3-0 ATS.