There’s a lot more on the line for USC than just the Pac-12 Championship in Friday’s meeting with Utah in Las Vegas. With a win the Trojans would nearly clinch a spot in their first ever College Football Playoff berth, but losing would put them a loss behind Ohio State and tie them with the likes of 2-loss teams such as Alabama and Clemson. Utah is looking for their second straight conference title win and a repeat trip to the Rose Bowl.
Before Betting on the Pac 12 Championship Game
You really shouldn’t punish a team for playing an extra game in the conference championship, so it would be hard for the committee to put 11-1 Ohio State in ahead of 11-2 (if they lose) USC, but with the Buckeyes’ only loss of the season coming to Michigan stranger things have happened. If Clemson beats North Carolina soundly in the ACC Championship and USC loses, they’d both be tied at 11-2 and the Tigers would have a claim for the #4 spot.
USC’s best approach is to just win on Friday night, and in the process they could get their QB a Heisman Trophy. Caleb Williams has 34 TDS to just 3 INTs on the season, and ran for another 3 scores last week in a 38-27 win over Notre Dame.
Utah gets a chance to be the villain against the darlings of the Pac 12, as the Utes would not only cost USC a conference championship but also a possible shot at a national championship. Utah can get this win too as they’ve handed the Trojans their only loss this season, 43-42 in week 7 on an absolutely stellar performance by QB Cameron Rising (415 yards passing / 2 TDs, 3-rushing TDS, game winning 2-point conversion).
Utah vs USC NCAAF Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | Utah (2.21) | USC (1.71) | 67.5 | Utah +2.5 (1.95) | USC -2.5 (1.87) |
| Bovada | Utah (2.30) | USC (1.66) | 67 | Utah +3 (1.87) | USC -3 (1.95) |
| BetUS | Utah (2.25) | USC (1.69) | 67 | Utah +2.5 (1.95) | USC -2.5 (1.87) |
| SportsBetting.ag | Utah (2.21) | USC (1.71) | 67.5 | Utah +2.5 (1.95) | USC -2.5 (1.87) |
| Pinnacle | Utah (2.214) | USC (1.78) | 67 | Utah +2.5 (1.90) | USC -2.5 (1.98) |
| MyBookie | Utah (2.14) | USC (1.71) | 67 | Utah +2.5 (1.95) | USC -2.5 (1.87) |
Pac 12 Championship Game Prediction & Pick
Utah did pick up the win over USC earlier this year, but that was also on their own turf. Friday’s contest is at a neutral site in Las Vegas which helps the Utes chances a bit, but it’s hard to see the Trojans not getting the win here and completing their journey to the CFP.
Pick: USC -2.5
