Ohio State hits the road for one of their biggest tests of the season, traveling to Los Angeles to take on USC under the lights at the Coliseum. The Buckeyes enter as 6.5-point favorites, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
The Trojans are 6-2 on the season, with losses to Wisconsin and Oregon. Quarterback Jayden Maiava has thrown for 2,302 yards and 19 touchdowns, while receivers Kayden Dixon-Wyatt and Trent Mosley have emerged as key targets in the passing game.
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Cole and Joey break down the matchup, examine where USC could challenge Ohio State and discuss what the Buckeyes need to do to leave Los Angeles with a win.
By the numbers and offensive expectations
The statistical comparison heavily favors Ohio State on defense. The Buckeyes allow just 13.4 points per game, compared to 25.0 for USC, while also holding an advantage in total offense.
USC's passing attack presents a challenge, averaging more than 300 yards per game, but Ohio State has the defensive talent to make life difficult for Maiava.
On the other side of the ball, the conversation turns to the Buckeyes' offense and what Luke Fahey and Co need to accomplish against the Trojans. Can Ohio State establish the run, protect its quarterback and take advantage of USC's defensive weaknesses?
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Week 9 game predictions
To wrap things up, Cole and Joey make their picks for two of the weekend's biggest matchups. No. 22 Arizona takes on No. 13 Texas Tech, while No. 17 Florida faces No. 3 Georgia in a rivalry showdown with major implications for the SEC race.
As always, the guys share their predictions and discuss what to watch for across another exciting weekend of college football.
