Syracuse vs. USC: Over/Under, Spread, Predictions and TV Info

Syracuse and USC are set to take the field against each other.

Both teams are undefeated this year, but come in with question marks.

Syracuse is 2-0, but they haven't beaten especially stiff competition yet this year. The Trojans are also 2-0, but played close games against teams they were heavily favored to beat.

USC enters the game as heavy favorites over Syracuse.

All betting information comes from betonline.com.

Where

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Los Angeles, California.

When

Saturday, September 17. 8:00 p.m. EST

Watch

FX

Spread

USC by 16.5. After a tough opening win against Minnesota, USC came back and beat Utah by nine in the second game.

The Trojans are heading in the right direction here. Syracuse is 2-0, but are achieved that record against mostly unproven opponents.

I like USC to win and cover here.

Over/Under

The over/under of 49 seems reasonable. I would actually take the over here.

USC will score a lot of points, but not in the 40s. Still, Ryan Nassib and his offense will put points on the board.

Key Injuries

Syracuse DE Chandler Jones (lower body), QB Jonny Miller (suspension), OL Nick Lepak (concussion), and Marcus Sales (suspension), are all questionable.

Syracuse CB RiShard Anderson (chest), OL Ian Allport (concussion), and OL Jarel Lowery (knee) are all doubtful.

Syracuse S Olando Fisher (back is out).

Syracuse DB Dureel Eskridge (eligibility) is out for the year.

USC DL Armond Armstead (undisclosed), OG Abe Markowitz (foot), and QB Jesse Scroggins (hand), are all doubtful.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

Both teams are undefeated, but both are unranked. USC is not eligible for postseason play. They need a good win to see the top 25 again.

Syracuse is undefeated, but not yet seen as a strong team. A strong showing in Los Angeles against USC will go a long way in changing that.

Keys to Syracuse Win

Quarterback Ryan Nassib is off to a great start this year. He'll need to protect the ball and rely on running back Antwon Bailey to control the game.  

Defensively, they will need to contain Matt Barkley. Shutting Barkley down isn't realistic, but he needs to be contained.

Keys to USC Win

USC should win this one relatively easily. If they don't make any mistakes that give Syracuse points, they will win convincingly.

Prediction

Syracuse just doesn't have the manpower to top USC. They are on the road and across the country at that.  

Matt Barkley is one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He'll have a strong game here and USC will win. 

USC: 37

Syracuse: 20