Need to know what to make of the USC vs. Oregon State betting preview as each team faces their stiffest test to date on Saturday night? We’ve got you covered. With sports betting taking over college football and college fantasy football on the rise, here is everything you need to know, from current betting odds to DFS picks and fantasy football players to play included in our USC vs. Oregon State prediction.
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USC vs. Oregon State betting preview
- Spread: USC (-5.5)
- Moneyline: USC (-225); Oregon State (+190)
- Over/Under: 70.5 points
- Game time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Reser Stadium, Corvallis, OR
- Predicted weather at kick: 67 degrees, clear, 7-8 mph winds
In their first real test of the season, the USC Trojans are slightly under a touchdown favorite against the Oregon State Beavers. This line hasn’t moved around a bit and certainly leans towards the Trojans, but with the number of points likely to be scored on these defenses, the total points may provide more value than the spread.
Prediction for USC vs. Oregon State
USC has been consistent in their approach this season: score more points than the other team. That being said, they had a little bit of luck against Rice when three interceptions led to 21 points, and each of those three interceptions clanged off Rice receivers’ hands. They outmatched Stanford and outmuscled Fresno State after Jake Haener left with an injury.
Still, each opponent has moved the ball against USC’s defense, and Oregon State is the best offense they’ve faced in the Lincoln Riley era to date. Chance Nolan can sling it and has great deep-ball accuracy when given the time to sit in the pocket and let his routes develop. A growing issue in this game, however, is the absence of tight end Luke Musgrave, who represents Nolan’s safety net when pressure does come.
Fortunately for Beaver fans, the offensive line has one of the top guard duos in the country and should make for clear lanes that Nolan can step up into. However, USC’s edge rush and lengthy linebackers should limit throwing lanes over the middle of the field. Eric Gentry, a 6’6″ true sophomore at will linebacker, is a player to watch as he’ll patrol the middle of the field and take away backside pursuit angles in the run game.
USC wins this one on the strength of their playmakers at various sets of positions but mainly because they outscore the Beavs. Take the over. Back the Trojans.
Prediction: USC 42, Oregon State 31
Top DFS picks and fantasy plays
To set your DFS lineup for the late slate on Saturday, you surely will want to know where the USC and Oregon State players are valued. Thanks to FanDuel, their current values are set in stone here:
- QB Caleb Williams, USC: $11,500
- QB Chance Nolan, Oregon State: $8,000
- RB Travis Dye, USC: $8,800
- RB Austin Jones, USC: $7,800
- RB Deshaun Fenwick, Oregon State: $6,600
- RB Damien Martinez, Oregon State: $5,300
- WR Jordan Addison, USC: $9,800
- WR Tre’Shaun Harrison, Oregon State: $7,600
- WR Mario Williams, USC: $6,900
- WR Anthony Gould, Oregon State: $6,600
- WR Tyjon Lindsey, Oregon State: $6,000
- WR Brenden Rice, USC: $5,400
- WR Silas Bolden, Oregon State: $5,400
- WR Tahj Washinton, USC: $5,300
- TE Malcolm Epps, USC: $5,000
- TE Jake Overman, Oregon State: $4,600
Both quarterbacks cost a premium for the late window. Williams, with his pedigree, gets the top ticket. He’s a candidate for your super flex spot just because of the high ceiling, but with USC’s defense seemingly lacking strength in coverage, Nolan also offers up more value. Go with Nolan and hope for some garbage time yards and a touchdown or two that close the gap, hit the over, and crush your DFS entry.
As far as playmakers, this game is certainly not short on them. If you want to pay the premium for Jordan Addison, he probably won’t let you down. But be warned: Rejzohn Wright is as talented a cornerback that Addison will face this season. He’s limiting players in his coverage to far lower than the expected passer rating when targeted and a sub-50% completion percentage. Wright vs. Addison is a top-tier 2023 NFL Draft matchup to watch and one of the pivotal points in this game.
Instead, head over to Jake Overman for incredible value, as his selection gives you Oregon State’s top tight end target at a fraction of the price and allows you the ability to grab the biggest three tickets in this game. With Musgrave out, Overman should factor into the passing game heavily.
