USC or Utah in Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday?

Quinn Allen
By , Updated on: Nov 28, 2022 07:00 PM
USC or Utah in Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday?
  • What: USC vs Utah
  • When: Saturday, December 2nd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas
  • How to watch: FOX

It all comes down to Saturday as #14 Utah and #6 USC meet in the Pac-12 championship game in Las Vegas for all the marbles in Online college football betting. The Trojans were the top team in the conference with an 8-1 record and looked solid all year long with Heisman candidate Caleb Williams at the helm. The Utes meanwhile finished at 7-2 and return to the title game for the second year in a row, winning it in 2021 and ultimately moving on to the Rose Bowl where they played Ohio State. Keep reading for the Utah vs USC picks.

Before we get into the betting preview, lines, and prediction for this conference clash, make sure to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks.

Utah vs USC Odds

BovadaSpreadOddsTotal
Utah+3 (-105)+135Ov 67 (-110)
USC-3 (-115)-160Un 67 (-110)

USC is a slim 3-point favorite in Sin City with moneyline odds of -160. Utah comes back at +135. The total is set at 67 points.

The Utes have been the better team in this matchup across the last two seasons, beating the Trojans in both meetings. In October, it was a 43-42 thriller that went the way of Utah in Salt Lake City

Utes vs Trojans Betting Outlook

Utah is frankly lucky to be back at this point. They annihilated Colorado 63-21 this past weekend despite losing to Oregon in Week 12. But, the Ducks slipped up against rivals Oregon State, giving the Utes a clear path to the Pac-12 championship once again. But, the reigning conference champs are in solid shape at the moment, going 5-1 in their last six games and holding a 3-1 ATS record in their last four, which is certainly a good sign ahead of such a big game against a tough opponent. On both sides of the ball, Kyle Whittingham's group is very fundamentally sound, ranking 30th in total yards, 22nd in rushing, and 10th in total points with 39.4 per game. They're led by quarterback Cameron Rising, who completed 66.4 of his passes in 2022 for 2,629 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions. His top two targets out wide have been tight end Dalton Kincaid, who has a team-best 66 catches for 850 yards and eight touchdowns. WR Devaughn Vele is next with 50 receptions for 595 yards and five scores. Utah's main source of offense is on the ground though where they possess a plethora of different options who can get it done with their legs. Tavion Thomas is the leading catalyst, but Ja'Quinden Jackson, Micah Bernard, and Jaylon Glover are all capable, too.

After Caleb Williams and Lincoln Riley joined up to come over to USC from Oklahoma last offseason, all eyes were instantly on the Trojans. You're looking at one of the top QBs and coaches in the nation and needless to say, they're exactly where everyone expected. Williams should get Heisman votes after a phenomenal campaign out west, leading USC to an 11-1 record overall. He's completed 65.8 of his throws for a whopping 3,712 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just three picks. Williams is also a beast with his legs, rushing for 10 scores. The Trojans have won five in a row and just beat UCLA and Notre Dame in back-to-back contests. Offensively, they're electric, scoring 42.5 points which is third in the country. The passing attack ranks 10th and USC also sits fifth in total yards. This team can really score points, but defense isn't exactly a strong suit. There is no doubt Williams and Co. will find score points, it's just a matter of containing Utah. They simply cannot give up 43 points again.

Utah vs USC Picks

This is truly a tough one to call. Utah has USC's number in recent memory, but the Trojans will be hungry to get revenge for their only loss of the year when they allowed the Utes to claw back. USC has also covered in three consecutive outings. Williams will lead the way and take his team a step further.

USC Trojans To cover vs Utah Utes
-3 (-115)
Bovada

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Meet the author

Quinn Allen

Quinn Allen leverages his broadcast journalism degree and passion for sports in his betting previews and analysis. Based in Kelowna, Canada, he has emerged as an expert voice with picks featured on OSB, MTS, SBD, and as a ClutchPoints editor. With a lifelong fandom of...

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