The Iowa Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten) headed out west to take on the USC Trojans (7-2, 5-1 Big Ten) in California on Saturday afternoon.
The Trojans have one of the best offenses in college football and are looking to continue their strong play on the offensive end against a stout Iowa defense.
USC is coming off two straight wins over Nebraska (21-17) and Northwestern (38-17), and is hosting an Iowa squad that is trying to pick itself up after an emotional loss to Oregon.
The Hawkeyes aim to dispel the notion that Big Ten teams struggle when they travel out west and overcome a 0-12 record against ranked opponents since 2021.
The Hawkeyes and Trojans have no more room for error if they want a chance to make the final College Football Playoff bracket, and they will battle in front of a raucous crowd at the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.
Final odds for No. 21 Iowa at No. 17 USC
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +6.5 (-105)
- USC: -6.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- Iowa: +198
- USC: -240
Total
- Over: 48.5 (-110)
- Under: 48.5 (-110)
Final predictions
Over the years, Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz has not let his team lose back-to-back games very often.
The Hawkeyes are coming off an emotional loss against Oregon, where they had every opportunity to win, but ultimately fell short.
While the weather will once again be a factor in this game, USC's defense is nowhere near as solid as Oregon's, especially against the run.
That plays into the strength of the Hawkeyes' offense, and they will run the ball early and often in this game against a suspect USC defense.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski and running back Kamari Moulton will have a field day on the ground, but the weather will cause some havoc on both sides.
This game will be a low-scoring affair with Iowa narrowly beating USC in a tight game.
Final score prediction: Iowa 21, USC 20