College Football Week 7: Penn State vs. USC Expert Picks, Prediction, & Best Bets

Penn State vs. USC features two College Football Playoff hopefuls as Penn State enters as the No. 4 ranked squad in the country. 

A new chapter in Big Ten football begins as clash between USC and No. 4 Penn State in Week 7 is something we’d normally only see in the Rose Bowl. For USC, it’s a chance to rebound from a tough setback—a surprising loss at Minnesota that dropped the Trojans to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in Big Ten play. Now, they face a Penn State defense that has emerged as one of the nation’s most formidable forces.

The Nittany Lions enter the weekend ranked 8th in scoring defense, giving up just over 11 points per game, and sit at No. 7 nationally in total defensive production, holding opponents to a mere 4.01 yards per play. It’s a unit built to disrupt, and against a USC offense searching for answers, the challenge looms large.

For the Trojans, this game is more than just another test—it’s a moment to prove their resilience, to show they can bounce back and find another gear. The offense must rise to the occasion, especially as it lines up against one of the toughest defensive front sevens in the country.

Penn State’s defense will look to set the tone, but for USC, the mission is clear: shift into a higher gear and reclaim its place in the college football conversation. In a matchup brought to life by realignment, the stakes are higher, the moments bigger, and the opportunity for redemption lies ahead.

Penn State vs. USC Betting Preview, Expert Picks, Prediction, & Best Bets

All Penn State vs. USC odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Wednesday, Oct. 9.

• Spread
  Penn State -5,5
• Moneyline
  Penn State -220, USC +180
• Over/Under
  50.5 points
• Game Time
  3:30 p.m. ET
• Location
  Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum | Los Angeles, CA
• Predicted Weather at Kick
  76 degrees, partly cloudy
• How To Watch
  CBS

Check out our other college football expert picks! 

Penn State vs. USC Prediction

Penn State heads west for a crucial road test against USC, with high stakes for the nation’s No. 4 team. To secure a win, the Nittany Lions need quarterback Drew Allar to shine in a hostile environment where every snap carries weight and the margin for error is razor-thin. If the game remains tight into the second half, it could reveal the cracks in Penn State’s recent performances.

The Nittany Lions started strong, lighting up the scoreboard against West Virginia and two MAC opponents. But since entering Big Ten play, their offense has sputtered, managing just 348 yards per game in the last two weeks. Illinois and UCLA couldn’t fully capitalize, but the trend is concerning as the stakes rise.

Here's what happens when #USC's offensive line gives Miller Moss time in the pocket:

– Great protection picking up five-man pressure even with late blitzer.
– Makai Lemon cooks the defender with jerk route (unbelievably hard to cover with this much space)
– Convert third-and-8 pic.twitter.com/r3hl8IL1Jm

— Shotgun Spratling (@ShotgunSpr) October 9, 2024

For USC, it’s a chance at redemption. After a promising season opener against LSU, the Trojans have struggled with turnovers, coughing up the ball three times in each of the last three games. Yet, hope remains alive, especially at home, where the defense aims to disrupt Penn State’s rushing attack and set the tone. The game plan is clear: stay patient, trust the defense, and take what’s given in the short passing game.

While Penn State’s defense has shown its strength, it’s not without flaws—failing to force a turnover against UCLA. As they prepare for a defining moment under the lights, the Nittany Lions seek to prove they belong among the elite.

But USC, with its back against the wall, is ready to rise. The Trojans, fueled by the need for a statement win, look to seize the opportunity and defend their home turf. Fight On. A big victory may be just what the Trojans need.

The Prediction:  USC 31 – Penn State 27

Best Bet: USC +5.5