USC vs. Idaho Prediction, Game Preview

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The USC Trojans continue their soft non-conference schedule with this week’s visit from Idaho. We take a look below in the USC vs. Idaho prediction and game preview.

USC vs. Idaho Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, September 12
Game Time: 8:00 ET
Network: Pac-12 Network

Follow and/or Contact @Rich Cirminiello

Why You Need To Care

USC never entertains FCS teams, but it is getting the equivalent of back-to-back exhibition games before Pac-12 play starts. The Trojans routed Arkansas State, 55-6, and will now face Idaho, one of the consistently worst FBS squads. The Vandals were roughed up by Ohio last Thursday, 45-28.

Why Idaho Will Win

Motivation might be an issue for USC. So might the pitch-and-catch combo of Matt Linehan to Dezmon Epps, which produced 14 receptions. The Vandals will also get tough yards on the ground from 255-pound RB Elijhaa Penny.

Why USC Will Win

After getting stampeded for almost 500 yards by Ohio, Idaho has no shot of slowing down Cody Kessler and the Trojan offense. Kessler’s weapons, RB Tre Madden and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, are emerging, and the massive Troy front wall will bludgeon the overmatched Vandal D.

Player Who Matters

DT Kenny Bigelow picked up his first career sack in the Arkansas State win. And while it had no impact on the outcome, it was symbolically important. Bigelow was a blue-chip recruit, who missed all of 2014 to injury, and will be counted on to contribute to a D-line searching for playmakers.

What’s Going To Happen?

USC will romp to another easy victory, getting valuable reps for backups, as the team continues to rebuild its depth. Kessler will take target practice, while Madden and Ronald Jones II snap off long runs through the Idaho defense.

USC vs. Idaho Score Prediction

And last, but not least, the USC vs. Idaho prediction is …

Final Score: USC 59, Idaho 13

Must See Rating: 5: Ferrell Takes the Field 1 – 1: A Walk in The Woods … 1.5

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