USC vs. Rice: TV info, betting odds and expert predictions
A new era begins on Saturday.
Lincoln Riley, Caleb Williams, Jordan Addison, Shane Lee, all the offseason change USC went through since the 4-8 2021 campaign ended, it all crystallizes when the Trojans hit the field against the Rice Owls inside the L.A. Coliseum. Talking season is over, it’s time to put all that work to the test.
The Trojans aren’t expected to be challenged by Rice in their opener. The point spread is huge. USC’s offense has best-in-class potential, and its Week 1 matchup with the Owls doesn’t figure to test it all that much. But it’ll be our first look at this new USC, so there will be plenty to learn.
Here are all the details you need for the game.
TV and Kickoff Time
Kickoff time: 3 p.m. PT
TV Network: Pac-12 Network
Betting odds
Line: USC -32.5
Total: 61.5
Money line: USC -8000, Rice +2200
Expert predictions
ESPN’s FPI gives USC a 96.1% chance of beating the Owls.
Athlon Sports’ Kane Webb predicts a 65-13 USC win:
This game is meant for Rice to pick up a check and for USC to pick up a win. Beyond that, this matchup is going to be a bit of a double-edged blade. It won’t prepare them in any way for Stanford, but it does give Riley a solid chance to take one final look at what he has before he begins the onslaught next week in Palo Alto. This game is a good chance to give a few guys a shot at another position or perhaps try a few things as the game winds down, and that’s all you can ask for before you begin the kind of schedule USC has early on in 2022.
CFN’s Pete Fiutak predicts a 45-10 USC win:
You wanted the show, you got the show. USC will start fast, get up without a problem, and then the story will be a defense that will try proving that 2021 was just a blip. Rice will generate a few scores, but it won’t have a prayer of keeping up.”
Our own Jon Gold predicts a major USC win as well:
The question is not if USC will beat Rice. The question is, how much offense can Riley’s Murderer’s Row offense put up in its first game? The Trojans redefined college football free agency this year, and it’s sure exciting to see if they can gel early.