San Jose State vs. USC 2021 College Football Week 1 Odds and Preview

By Carlos Chacon • September 2, 2021

The San Jose State Spartans travel to Los Angeles to face the Trojans in Week 1 of the 2021 NCAA football season. This is USC’s first game, and Clay Helton looks to start his campaign on a positive note. After finishing with a 5-1 record in 2020 and ultimately losing in the Pac-12 championship game to Oregon, the team is ready to bounce back.

Meanwhile, the Spartans have a busy first week following a clash with Southern Utah last week, in which they won 45 to 14. Head coach Brent Brennan will try to keep the momentum running as they hit the road this weekend.

As NitroBetting follows the hottest NCAA football action, we make sure you get access to the best previews, and that includes this upcoming San Jose State vs. USC game. Find essential information down below such as event details, team and player statistics, and the latest College Football odds. Furthermore, get ahead of the game with the aid of timely betting trends and expert betting predictions to lock in on the best picks. Don’t forget to check the latest 2021 College Football odds at out online Bitcoin sportsbook.

San Jose State Spartans vs. USC Trojans Game Information

Come walk the BLVD with us.#BLVDBound? pic.twitter.com/EkC10qhRgo
— USC Football (@USC_FB) September 1, 2021

When: Saturday, September 4, 2021, 5:00 PM ET
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
TV: ABC
Radio: Real Talk 910 KKSF-AM (San Jose State) / AM 790 KABC (USC)
Live Stream: CBS Sports
College Football Odds: San Jose State (+14.0) / USC (-14.0)

Why Bet on the San Jose State Spartans?

The Spartans are off to a great start after a blowout victory over Southern Utah. Nick Starkel put on a show, throwing for 394 yards on 16-of-27 pass completions. He was responsible for creating the massage gap, scoring 4 touchdowns, and one interception. Working with him is Tyler Nevens who ended his night with 91 yards on 12 carries and a score.

Nevens also scored a rushing TD in the win. Charles Ross had a good night with 77 yards and a score on 3 grabs and Derrick Deese Jr. documented 72 yards and a touchdown on 3 receptions. To add insult to the injury, Sam Olson and Jermaine Braddock also had a touchdown reception, with Olson claiming a catch going for a 70-yard run.

Defensively, San Jose held off their opponents well. Kyle Harmon led the unit with 9 tackles and a team-high 4 solo tackles. Giving him a helping hand is Josh Gomez who recorded the team’s only sack of the game. With all that, the combination of solid offense and defense makes the Spartans a threat to some extent to the Trojans in this contest.

Why Bet on the USC Trojans?

On the other end of the spectrum, the hosts will have to challenge a relatively strong Spartans team. Kedon Slovis returns as USC’s starting quarterback, but he will have to improve on his performance after being sacked at an average of 2.5 times last season. Vavae Malepeai stands his ground as the lead back for the Trojans, but without the next two leading rushers from last year, Keontay Ingram steps up to help the line.

Drake London makes his way back to the team’s receiving corps with 502 yards and 33 catches, while Bru McCoy is back following a 4th-place finish on the team in interceptions. New transfers Tahj Washington and KD Nixon will find their place in the USC offense while John Jackson III is expected to log in more playing time, along with Erik Krommenhoek at tight end.

Going over the defense, Nick Figueroa leads the Trojans in sacks and tackles for loss. He works with Drake Jackson, who is a versatile player that can play as a linebacker or defensive end. Kana’l Mauga returns after finishing last season with 41 tackles–the second-best record on the team. Ralen Goforth takes middle linebacker duties, while the secondary is guarded by Isaiah Pola-Malo.

San Jose State vs. USC Betting Trends

San Jose State is 3-2 in its last 5 away games.
San Jose State is 3-2 against the spread in its last 5 away games.
The totals have gone under in 2 of San Jose State’s last 5 away games.
USC is 4-1 in its last 5 home games.
USC is 3-2 against the spread in its last 5 home games.
The totals have gone over in 1 of USC’s last 5 home games.

San Jose State vs. USC Expert Betting Predictions

Despite having home-field advantage, the USC Trojans are going to have a problem if they let the Spartans pick up pace early on. We saw the team head in the right direction in 2020 and pulled off some impressive wins. Covering the spread is possible for the team, but taking the lead might be a tall order against a ranked opponent. At least, the Spartans have more confidence coming into the game despite being underdogs by over two touchdowns.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 College Football season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest Football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.