USC Trojans vs. UCLA Bruins Betting Odds, Analysis, College Football Pick

Not too long ago, USC took five games in a row from UCLA. But the Bruins are trying to turn this rivalry around, winning three of the last four meetings and going 3-1 against the spread. UCLA hopes to salvage its season with an upset of a hot Trojans team Saturday night at the Rose Bowl.

Point spread: The Trojans opened as 10.5-point favorites, according to sportsbooks monitored by Odds Shark (line updates and matchup report).

College football pick, via Odds Shark computer: 36.2-24.4, Trojans (College football picks on every game)

Why the USC Trojans can cover the spread

USC just extended its winning streak to six games, which includes a 5-1 ATS run, with a 26-13 upset of previously unbeaten Washington last week. The Trojans spotted the Huskies an early field goal, but led 17-6 at the half and hung on from there, winning outright as 10-point dogs.

On the night, USC outgained Washington, 400-276, outrushed the Huskies, 113-17, and won time of possession by a margin of roughly 33-27. And the Trojans special teams came up with possibly the key play of the game, a blocked field goal late in the third quarter that not only protected a short lead, but led to a USC touchdown.

The Trojans are now 6-1 SU and 5-2 ATS with freshman Sam Darnold at quarterback, and that one loss came on a Utah touchdown with 16 seconds left in the game.

At 6-2 in conference play, USC trails first-place Colorado by a half-game in the Pac-12 South. But the Trojans own the tiebreaker on the Buffaloes, thanks to that 21-17 head-to-head victory back in October. And Colorado has two tough games left, against Washington State and Utah.

Why the UCLA Bruins can cover the spread

The Bruins just snapped a four-game losing streak with a 38-24 victory over Oregon State last week. UCLA fell behind the Beavers 7-0 less than two minutes into the game but scored the next 21 points to take the lead for good.

The Bruins also did their financial backers a solid when senior defensive back Randall Goforth came up with a pick-six with just over two minutes to go, producing a cover as 11-point favorites. On the night, UCLA outgained Oregon State, 444-307, and outrushed the Beavers, 163-75.

The Bruins are now 3-1 ATS since senior Mike Fafaul took over for the injured Josh Rosen at quarterback. At 4-6 on the season, UCLA needs victories in its final two games to become bowl-eligible.

Smart pick

USC is suddenly a trendy pick, but the Trojans are coming off a big effort in Washington last week and might be ripe for a letdown. Meanwhile, UCLA's largest margin of defeat this season is just 10 points, against Colorado, and that game was tied in the fourth quarter. The smart money for this rivalry bout bets the Bruins.

Betting trends

USC is 1-3 ATS in its last four games against UCLA.

UCLA is 0-5 ATS in its last five games after a win.

The total has gone under in 10 of USC's last 13 games on the road.

All college football betting lines and point-spread data courtesy of Bleacher Report's official odds partner, Odds Shark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and Odds Shark YouTube for picks and analysis, or download the free odds-tracker app.