Missouri St. Bears vs
USC TrojansPredictions & Preview

Missouri State Set to Challenge USC in Inaugural FBS Season Opener

On Saturday, August 30, college football fans can look forward to the first full weekend slate of games, including the match-up between Missouri State and USC. Missouri State, making their inaugural season in FBS football after moving up from the FCS ranks, will face a USC team with high expectations following last year's 7-6 record in Big 10 play. Kick-off is set for 7:30 P.M. EST. Stay tuned for our prediction on this exciting game, as well as other match-ups to watch.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Bears +3500 | Trojans -20000
• Spread: Bears +35 (-110) | Trojans -35 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 59.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that USC will win straight-up is 100%.

Missouri St. Bears

Missouri State enters their game against USC as significant underdogs, playing in their first ever games as a member of the FBS ranks. Despite ending their season with an 8-4 record, the Bears have not defeated an FBS team since 1990. Head coach Ryan Beard emphasizes the opportunity to make history and build a legacy with the program. Senior quarterback Jacob Clark is expected to be a key player, coming off a strong season with 3,604 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. The offensive line and receiving corps also have some returning talent, while the defense is undergoing a total rebuild with linebacker Kanye Young looking to lead the way.

USC Trojans

USC is under pressure to compete this season, starting with their upcoming game against Missouri State. Last season ended with a 7-6 record and a 4-5 record in the Big Ten, with both highs and lows. Head coach Lincoln Riley's record of 26-14 is not meeting expectations for a program that aims for national titles. The defense, returning key starters, needs improvement to become one of the best in the country. Two key offensive players have departed, but promising receivers Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane remain. Jayden Maiava will start at quarterback after a successful end to last season. The Trojans performed well against the spread last year, finishing with an 8-5 record.

Missouri State Set to Challenge USC in Inaugural FBS Season Opener

Missouri State is entering its inaugural season of FBS play as a member of Conference USA, facing a challenging matchup against USC. Despite the tough competition, the Bears have a strong quarterback in Jacob Clark, known for his impressive passing statistics from the previous season. With the USC pass defense ranking 86th in yards allowed last year, Missouri State's passing attack led by Clark could present a challenge for the Trojans. While USC is favored to win, their struggles with scoring and the potential overlooking of Missouri State may result in a closer game. Jayden Maiava's completion rate from last season further supports the possibility of the Bears covering the spread. Missouri State's experience in a competitive conference and USC's vulnerabilities suggest a more competitive game than anticipated. I recommend considering Missouri State to cover in this matchup.

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