Louisville Cardinals (10-3) vs. USC Trojans (7-5)
As NCAAF bowl season heats up, Louisville Cardinals take on USC Trojans in what promises to be an explosive Holiday Bowl encounter on Wednesday. Boasting an impressive 10-3 record and USC’s 7-5 mark respectively, this matchup has the power to decide the outcome of latest NCAAF bowl picks from both schools and will air live on FOX at 8:00 PM ET for fans of college football alike.
The Louisville Cardinals boasting a strong record are driven by the dynamic duo of Jawhar Jordan and Jamari Thrash, who together create an unstoppable offensive machine. Jordan excels at running back with 1128 yards and 13 touchdowns while Thrash proves a worthy complement with 858 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns as a wide receiver – together they form an intimidating offense that can penetrate any defense with ease.
While USC Trojans’ record is less impressive, their offensive performances should not be discounted. Running back MarShawn Lloyd has amassed 820 yards with 9 touchdowns; wide receiver Tahj Washington adds depth and game-changing potential with 963 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns – both key contributors in USC’s strategy for overthrowing Cardinals.
Louisville Cardinals vs. USC Trojans Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Petco Park |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Jack Plummer QB vs. Caleb Williams QB
Jack Plummer has taken Louisville’s offense by storm since his transfer from Purdue. He makes quick decisions and distributes the ball quickly to playmakers; hitting receivers in stride downfield has led to some spectacular pass plays for Louisville; yet, his turnover-prone tendencies with 12 interceptions this year present risks against an experienced USC defense.
Caleb Williams has put up Heisman-level numbers in his first season at USC. He has a special ability to extend plays with his mobility, allowing receivers time to uncover downfield. Williams also has pinpoint accuracy, especially on deep balls. His 30-5 TD-INT ratio illustrates his excellent decision-making and ability to avoid interceptions. Williams’ biggest weakness is holding onto the ball too long while scrambling, resulting in a fairly high sack total. He will need to navigate Louisville’s pressure while continuing to produce big plays on offense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Louisville Cardinals -310, Total Odds: 57.5
The current betting odds favor Louisville heavily, reflecting their superior season record and consistent performance. However, the high total odds suggest an expectation of a high-scoring game, which could play into USC’s strengths.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends
The Cardinals have a superb 11-3 SU record in their last 14 overall. They also play well as favorites, going 12-3 SU in their previous 15 contests laying points. A key trend pointing towards Louisville is USC’s struggles against the spread, with a 1-8 ATS record over their last 9 games. Backing Louisville ATS off their strong trends makes sense. The only concern is the under trend in 7 of their last 10 December contests. However, the offensive mismatch in this game should yield higher scoring.
USC Trojans Betting Trends
USC’s betting trends make it tough to back the Trojans. They have gone 1-5 SU over their previous 6 games heading into this matchup. As underdogs, the struggles grow even worse at 0-12 SU in their last 12 contests getting points. The sole bright spot for USC is the over hitting in 17 of their last 20 matchups. Considering Louisville’s scoring prowess though, this trend simply supports the over rather than the Trojans covering.
Louisville Cardinals vs. USC Trojans 12/27/23 Betting Picks
Considering the analysis and trends, Louisville emerges as the safer bet, given their consistency and stronger record. Their ability to control the game and exploit USC’s defensive vulnerabilities could be key. However, USC’s offensive potential, especially in high-scoring scenarios, should not be overlooked.
In terms of betting, Louisville seems to be the better pick overall, especially considering their strong performance as favorites. The over/under is tricky, given the contrasting trends, but the high total points towards a high-scoring affair, which might favor USC. As always, bettors should consult top sportsbooks for the latest odds and insights.
