USC Trojans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/5/2024 7:30 PM EST

We have your USC Trojans at Minnesota Golden Gophers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the USC Trojans hit the road to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

USC Trojans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: USC Trojans -345 (Caesars) / Minnesota Golden Gophers +290 (ESPN Bet)
Best Spread Odds: 8.5 - USC Trojans -110 (DraftKings) / 9.5 - Minnesota Golden Gophers -110 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 51.5 - Under -105 (FanDuel) / Over -108 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 10/5/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, MN)
TV: BTN

USC Trojans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview

The USC Trojans, currently ranked No. 15, are set to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in a Big Ten clash at Huntington Bank Stadium. The Trojans are coming off a resilient 38-21 victory over Wisconsin, where they showcased their ability to bounce back from a sluggish first half. USC's quarterback, Miller Moss, was instrumental in the comeback, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns. His performance will be crucial as the Trojans aim to maintain their momentum and improve their 3-1 record.

On the other side, the Minnesota Golden Gophers are looking to recover from a narrow 27-24 loss to Michigan. Despite the defeat, Minnesota showed tenacity, particularly in the second half, as they attempted to close the gap against the Wolverines. Quarterback Max Brosmer has been steadily improving, throwing for 258 yards and a touchdown against a formidable Michigan defense. The Gophers will rely heavily on their running back, Darius Taylor, who has been a consistent performer, although he struggled to find space against Michigan's stout defense.

USC's defense, which has shown vulnerability against the run, will need to tighten up to prevent Minnesota from exploiting this weakness. The Trojans have allowed significant rushing yards in recent games, which could be a concern against a Minnesota team eager to establish their ground game. Meanwhile, the Gophers' defense will be tasked with containing USC's dynamic offense, particularly the passing attack led by Moss.

This matchup promises to be a test of resilience and strategy, with both teams looking to assert their presence in the Big Ten. The Trojans will aim to capitalize on their offensive strengths, while the Gophers will seek to leverage their home advantage and rectify their recent defensive lapses. As the game unfolds, the ability of each team to adapt and execute their game plan will be pivotal in determining the outcome.

USC Trojans at Minnesota Golden Gophers Pick: Total Points Under

As the USC Trojans prepare to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers, the betting line suggests a total of 51.5 points, but the under appears to be the more compelling choice. Both teams have shown tendencies that align with a lower-scoring affair. USC's recent performance against Wisconsin highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against the run, but Minnesota's offense has struggled to capitalize on such weaknesses. The Golden Gophers managed only 24 points against Michigan, a team that has shown second-half defensive lapses, indicating potential difficulties in sustaining offensive momentum.

USC's defense, while susceptible to the run, will be focused on tightening up against a Minnesota team that has not been prolific offensively. The Trojans allowed significant rushing yards in their previous games, but Minnesota's running back Darius Taylor was limited to just 36 yards on 13 carries against Michigan, suggesting that the Gophers might not fully exploit USC's defensive gaps. Additionally, Minnesota's quarterback Max Brosmer, despite showing improvement, faces a USC defense that will be keen to rebound from its recent performances.

On the other side, USC's offense, led by Miller Moss, has been effective, but the Trojans have shown inconsistency, particularly in the first half of games. Against Wisconsin, they were held to just 10 points in the first half before exploding in the second. This inconsistency could play into the hands of a Minnesota defense that, despite its struggles, will be playing at home and looking to make a statement.

Given these dynamics, the game is likely to be a strategic battle with both teams focusing on correcting their recent defensive issues. The Trojans' need to shore up their run defense and the Gophers' quest to find offensive consistency suggest a game that may not reach the high-scoring expectations set by the oddsmakers. Therefore, the under on the total points is a prudent pick for this Big Ten clash.