COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Ohio State enters with a balanced, high-efficiency offense and a defense that has limited opponents well below average in scoring and yardage. The Buckeyes’ passing game has been a major driver of their production, and their defense has kept explosive outings from opposing offenses in check. USC, meanwhile, has been productive enough to stay competitive in shootout settings, but its defensive profile has been more exposed, especially against teams that can sustain drives and finish possessions. The Trojans’ recent form has been uneven against the number, while their total results have split, which fits a team that can score but also gives up enough to keep games in scoring range.
Ohio State should control the game, but USC’s ability to score enough at home keeps this from looking like a runaway from a totals perspective. The Buckeyes’ offense has the cleaner matchup edge, and USC’s defense has not been reliable enough to suppress a quality passing attack for four quarters. That points to a game with sustained scoring on both sides and a final of Ohio State Buckeyes 34, USC Trojans 27.
