When does the USC-Boston College rivalry end? Okay, maybe it’s a bit much to call this a rivalry, but it’s kind of odd that these seemingly opposite programs will now have played three times since 2009 — once in a bowl and twice in the home-and-home series.
How to watch USC vs. Boston College: Game guide, TV/streaming, odds, more
Can Boston College avoid the three-game sweep against USC?
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This figured to be a lopsided series going in, given the history of the two programs, and it started out that way last year, with USC claiming a 35-7 victory. This year, the Trojans figure to be even better, while the Eagles might be a little worse. So even though this game will be played in Chestnut Hill, it has the potential to get ugly.
It’s difficult to imagine these two teams meeting up in a bowl again, and considering how odd the home-and-home matchup was in the first place, this might be the last time in a long time we get a chance for this series to even out. Let’s see if Boston College can give USC a fight and avoid the three-game sweep.
How to witness
TV: 8 pm ET, ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
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The numbers
Rankings and records: USC is 2-0 and ranked ninth in the AP Poll and 10th in the Coaches Poll. Boston College is 1-1 and unranked.
Vegas: USC opened as a 20-point favorite, but is now a 17-point favorite. The over/under is 55.
Weather forecast: High of 69 and a low of 57 with a 30 percent chance of rain at night.
Two things at stake
After an impressive win at Stanford, a blowout road win over Boston College would further solidify USC’s status as a College Football Playoff contender. A loss would end those hopes immediately.
Can Boston College be respectable this year? This game will go a long way in determining where the Eagles are at. Their loss to Pitt didn’t inspire much confidence.
One big matchup
Cody Kessler has looked great, but it was USC’s defense that was really impressive against Stanford. That will be the interesting matchup to watch in this game. Can BC do anything against the Trojans? The Eagles had a better offense and the Trojans had a worse defense last year, and BC still couldn’t move the ball.
USC is going to score its points. For the Eagles to pull the upset, they’re going to have to be able to keep it. This won’t be a shootout, but they’ll need to muster a lot more than the 7 points that they did in the 2013 contest, and against a tougher team, too. If they can’t put together a better offensive performance than they did against Pitt, they’re going to have a tough time winning this game.
Further reading
Read Conquest Chronicles for USC coverage and BC Interruption for Boston College coverage.
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