If you believe in Vegas, this game shouldn’t be close. At 43.5, this was the biggest opening line of the week, and it makes sense. Idaho is barely struggling to stay in the Sun Belt, while USC dominated Arkansas State, 55-6, last week.
How to watch Idaho vs. USC on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
This one could get ugly.
There isn’t a ton to learn from a game like this, since it’s likely that USC will roll, but it’s just another chance to see how the Trojans are coming together before their first big games — Stanford and Arizona State — in the next two consecutive weeks. So this week, it’s all about seeing whether Cody Kessler and company can put up video game-type numbers and not get hurt.
Idaho’s athletic department has been filled with dysfunction this offseason, and the Vandals didn’t help matters, getting blown out by Ohio at home in week one. This test will be much tougher.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Networks
Online streaming: Pac-12 Networks Live
Three big things to know
1. Idaho’s coach is Paul Petrino, who almost got in a fistfight with a reporter this offseason after that reporter was negative about his team. Idaho lost its season opener at home to Ohio, 45-28, and USC blew out Arkansas State. There might not be a ton of positives after this one.
2. What will the numbers be for Kessler? He went 19-of-26 for 236 yards and four touchdowns in their opener, and it’s not unrealistic to think he’ll put up similar, if not bigger numbers against the Vandals. This game is all about racking up the stats.
3. Will USC cover? That’s a huge spread, but not unreasonable considering the talent differential at play here. USC can easily win this game by 44 points or more, but with starters likely getting pulled before the game ends, they may let off the gas before then.
Further reading
Check out Conquest Chronicles for more on USC and Underdog Dynasty for more on Idaho.
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