Ohio State vs. USC Prediction, Betting Pick, Latest CFB Odds for Saturday, October 31st
No. 2 Ohio State travels to Los Angeles for a Saturday night Big Ten showdown against USC, with the Buckeyes looking to remain undefeated in conference play despite losing starting quarterback Julian Sayin. Can Jayden Maiava and the Trojans capitalize on Ohio State's quarterback transition against a Buckeyes defense that has dominated opponents throughout the season? Check out this Ohio State vs. USC prediction and best bet for Saturday, October 31.
Peter Alexis - October 31, 2026, 6:15 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadOhio State vs. USC Prediction: Can Buckeyes Triumph on Road Despite Backup Quarterback?
No. 2 Ohio State (6-1, 4-0 Big Ten) visits USC (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM ET on NBC. The Buckeyes return from their bye week following a 19-15 victory over No. 4 Indiana, while the Trojans are coming off a disappointing 24-7 road loss against Wisconsin.
Ohio State has won five consecutive games and possesses one of the nation's strongest defenses, but Sayin's injury creates substantial uncertainty entering its first Big Ten meeting against USC. The Trojans have struggled against physical opponents but remain dangerous at home, where Maiava and Lincoln Riley's passing attack have generated considerably stronger offensive production.
Ohio State vs. USC Recent Results
Ohio State Buckeyes (6-1), (4-0 Big Ten)
Ohio State extended its winning streak to five games with a narrow 19-15 road victory over No. 4 Indiana on October 17. The Buckeyes held a 13-7 halftime advantage before relying on two fourth-quarter field goals and a strong defensive performance to preserve the victory.
Quarterback Julian Sayin completed 15 of 29 passes for 235 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering a significant throwing-arm injury. Freshman Luke Fahey entered in relief, while Ohio State generated just 313 total yards and 78 rushing yards against Indiana's physical defensive front.
The Buckeyes previously defeated Maryland 45-16 on October 10, producing one of their strongest offensive performances of the season. Ohio State also secured a convincing 31-14 road victory against Iowa earlier in October, demonstrating its ability to generate scoring production against one of the Big Ten's strongest defenses.
Ohio State enters Saturday averaging 39.3 points and 476.3 total yards per game, including 323.1 passing yards. The defense has been even more impressive, allowing just 13.4 points and 264.3 yards per contest, including fewer than 93 rushing yards.
USC Trojans (6-2), (3-2 Big Ten)
USC suffered its second defeat of the season with a 24-7 road loss against No. 25 Wisconsin last Saturday. The Trojans struggled offensively throughout the contest, failing to score after the second quarter despite generating 22 first downs.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava completed 31 of 50 passes for 257 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Wisconsin recorded five sacks and limited USC to negative rushing yardage, leaving the Trojans with just 241 total yards against a defense that controlled the line of scrimmage.
USC previously defeated Penn State 31-23 on October 10, securing an important Big Ten road victory behind a more productive offensive performance. The Trojans also defeated Washington 25-21 earlier in the month after suffering a 41-27 home defeat against Oregon.
USC averages 32.8 points and approximately 435 total yards per game, including more than 300 passing yards. However, the Trojans have struggled to establish consistent rushing production against stronger defensive opponents, creating additional pressure on Maiava to generate explosive plays through the air.
Ohio State vs. USC Head to Head
USC leads the all-time series 13-10-1, although Ohio State won the programs' most recent meeting.
- December 29, 2017: Ohio State 24, USC 7
- September 12, 2009: USC 18, Ohio State 15
- September 13, 2008: USC 35, Ohio State 3
- September 29, 1990: USC 35, Ohio State 26
Ohio State dominated the most recent meeting, defeating USC 24-7 in the Cotton Bowl following the 2017 season. The Buckeyes controlled that contest defensively, forcing turnovers and limiting USC's ability to generate sustained offensive production.
USC won the previous three meetings, including an 18-15 victory in Columbus during the 2009 season. Saturday represents the programs' first matchup as Big Ten opponents, adding conference championship implications to a series featuring two of college football's most recognizable programs.
Ohio State vs. USC Date, Time, Where to Watch
- Date: Saturday, October 31st, 2026
- Time: 7:30 PM ET
- Location: United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
- How to Watch: NBC
Ohio State vs. USC Odds
- Spread: Ohio State -6.5 (-112), USC +6.5 (+100)
- Total Points: Over 51.5 (-107), Under 51.5 (-108)
- Moneyline: Ohio State (-245), USC (+210)
- Selected Alternate Spread: USC +7 (-115)
Click here for the latest Ohio State vs. USC Odds
Ohio State vs. USC Line Movement and Betting Splits
Ohio State has remained favored throughout the betting market, with early spreads ranging from approximately -7 to -8.5 before settling closer to -6.5. The adjustment reflects uncertainty surrounding the Buckeyes' quarterback situation following Sayin's injury, although Ohio State's defensive production has prevented a larger movement.
The total has also declined from earlier numbers in the low-to-mid 50s toward 51.5 points. Sayin's absence and USC's offensive struggles against Wisconsin provide significant reasons for a lower scoring expectation, particularly with Ohio State allowing just 13.4 points per game.
Some tracked betting samples have shown greater individual-bet support for Ohio State while larger average wagers have favored USC against the spread. However, those distributions vary by sportsbook and sampling period. The more important development is the availability of USC +7, providing valuable protection against a touchdown defeat compared with the market's more common +6.5.
Ohio State Buckeyes Injury Report and Team News
- Leroy Roker (DB): Out, Undisclosed
- Julian Sayin (QB): Out, Arm
- Brenten Jones (DB): Out, Undisclosed
- Ja'Kobi Jackson (RB): Out, Foot
- Amari Valerio-Hudson (WR): Out, Undisclosed
- Jaxon Powell (OL): Out, Undisclosed
- Maxence LeBlanc (TE): Out, Undisclosed
- Brandon Inniss (WR): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Brock Boyd (WR): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Jay Timmons (DB): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Eli Lee (LB): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Amar'e Miller (DB): Questionable, Undisclosed
Ohio State's most significant absence is Sayin, who suffered a throwing-arm injury against Indiana and is expected to miss an extended period. Fahey and Tavien St. Clair have both received first-team practice repetitions, although Ryan Day has not confirmed which quarterback will start against USC.
The Buckeyes will also be without running back Ja'Kobi Jackson following foot surgery, reducing the backfield rotation behind Bo Jackson. Ohio State could receive important offensive-line reinforcements with Austin Siereveld and other previously injured contributors expected to return, providing additional protection for an inexperienced starting quarterback.
The defense also enters with uncertainty surrounding Timmons and several secondary contributors. Ohio State has relied heavily on its ability to limit explosive passing plays, making secondary depth especially important against Maiava and USC's productive receiving corps.
USC Trojans Injury Report and Team News
- Terrell Anderson (WR): Out, Undisclosed
- Corey Simms (WR): Out, Undisclosed
- Kendarius Reddick (S): Out, Undisclosed
- Taylor Johnson (LB): Out, Undisclosed
- Roman Marchetti (LB): Out, Undisclosed
- Kilian O'Connor (OL): Out, Undisclosed
- Hayden Treter (OL): Out, Knee
- Jahkeem Stewart (DL): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Mark Bowman (TE): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Shahn Alston (RB): Questionable, Undisclosed
- Jamaal Jarrett (DL): Questionable, Undisclosed
USC enters with substantial concerns along its offensive line and defensive front, particularly after allowing five sacks against Wisconsin. Treter's absence reduces offensive-line depth, while the uncertain availability of Stewart and Jarrett could affect the Trojans' ability to generate consistent pressure against Ohio State's inexperienced quarterbacks.
Bowman's questionable designation is also significant after the freshman tight end missed three consecutive games. Bowman has recorded 21 receptions for 204 yards and two touchdowns this season, and his return would provide Maiava with another receiving option against Ohio State's physical defense.
The Trojans also face uncertainty in the backfield with Alston questionable. USC will need more effective rushing production than it generated against Wisconsin to avoid placing the entire offensive burden on Maiava against one of the nation's strongest defensive units.
Ohio State vs. USC Prediction
Ohio State enters as the deserved favorite, but the loss of Sayin creates a significant adjustment that could allow USC to remain competitive against one of the nation's most talented rosters.
The most important factor is Ohio State's quarterback transition. Sayin had thrown for 2,007 yards and 19 touchdowns before suffering his injury against Indiana, providing the Buckeyes with one of the nation's most efficient passing attacks. Replacing that production with Fahey or St. Clair creates uncertainty about how effectively Ohio State can maintain its offensive rhythm.
Fahey has completed nine of 13 passes for 203 yards this season, but he has limited experience against high-level competition. St. Clair offers another option, having completed five of seven attempts for 52 yards. Neither quarterback has faced an environment comparable to a Saturday night matchup at the Coliseum against a talented USC defense.
Ohio State should still generate opportunities through Jeremiah Smith, who has accumulated 984 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. His explosiveness creates significant challenges for USC's secondary, but the Buckeyes must establish enough protection and offensive consistency to ensure their new quarterback can deliver accurate throws against pressure.
The rushing matchup also deserves attention. Ohio State averages 153.1 rushing yards per game, while Bo Jackson leads the team with 516 yards. USC struggled defensively against Oregon earlier in the season, creating opportunities for Ohio State to establish the ground game and reduce the burden on its quarterback.
However, USC's offensive potential provides another reason to expect a competitive contest. Maiava has demonstrated the ability to generate substantial passing production, and the Trojans average more than 300 passing yards per game. Their performance against Wisconsin was concerning, but USC has scored at least 25 points in each of its other seven games.
Ohio State's defense presents a difficult matchup, allowing just 171.4 passing yards and 92.9 rushing yards per contest. The Buckeyes have consistently prevented explosive plays and forced opponents into difficult third-down situations. USC must improve its protection considerably after allowing five sacks against Wisconsin, particularly with Maiava capable of extending plays when given adequate time.
Another important factor is Ohio State's offensive approach without Sayin. The Buckeyes may rely more heavily on their rushing attack, short passing concepts and defensive field position rather than attempting to maintain their previous offensive aggressiveness. That could reduce the number of possessions and make covering a full touchdown more challenging.
USC also benefits from returning home after two consecutive road games. The Trojans are 4-1 at the Coliseum this season and have demonstrated greater offensive efficiency in Los Angeles. A strong home environment could create additional challenges for Ohio State's inexperienced quarterback, particularly during obvious passing situations.
FairPlay AI projects Ohio State as a 3.5-point favorite with a 61% win probability, compared with the sportsbook offering USC +7. That represents approximately 3.5 points of projected spread value on the Trojans, even though Ohio State remains the more likely outright winner. FairPlay AI also projects 53.5 total points against the sportsbook number of 51.5.
The biggest concern for USC is its offensive-line performance against Ohio State's elite defensive front. However, the Buckeyes' quarterback uncertainty and the Trojans' home-field advantage create a realistic path to a competitive game, particularly if USC can prevent Smith from generating multiple explosive touchdowns.
Ohio State vs. USC Best Bet
- Best Bet: USC +7 (-115) Check out these best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook
USC enters with a talented quarterback and an explosive passing attack capable of challenging Ohio State's defense, particularly after returning home from a disappointing performance against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes remain one of the nation's strongest teams, but Sayin's absence creates substantial uncertainty surrounding their ability to maintain the offensive production that has defined their season.
Ohio State's defensive advantages remain legitimate concerns, but the Trojans possess enough offensive talent to remain competitive in Los Angeles. Getting the full seven points provides protection against an exact touchdown defeat, making USC an appealing home underdog against a favorite adjusting to a new starting quarterback.
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