Odds provided by Sports Interaction.
USC vs Illinois Odds
USC is a -250 moneyline favorite, and they’re also laying 6.5 points on the spread at online betting sites. Illinois returns at +200 on the moneyline. The total is set at 60.5.
This is actually their first meeting since 2007, as the Trojans are a recent addition to the Big Ten. USC has won 11 of 13 against the Fighting Illini all-time.
USC vs Illinois Analysis
The No. 21-ranked Trojans are off to an impressive start this season, sitting at 4-0 heading into Saturday. Lincoln Riley’s squad hasn’t faced a ranked opponent yet – Illinois will be the first. They’ve beaten the likes of Michigan State, Purdue, and Georgia Southern so far. Offense has been the name of the game for USC, ranking third in the country in total yards, ninth in passing yards, 12th in rushing yards, and fifth in points with an average of 52.5.
The leader behind that early brilliance is quarterback Jayden Maiava. While the competition hasn’t been too difficult so far, his numbers are solid. The signal-caller has completed 70.8% of his passes for 1,223 yards and nine touchdowns against zero interceptions. Maiava also has four rushing touchdowns of his own. He had his most efficient game last weekend, completing 20 of 26 throws for 234 yards and three scores against Michigan State. Illinois has several intriguing pieces defensively, so Maiava will certainly be tested in Champaign.
The Fighting Illini went into the 2025 season as a dark horse to make the College Football Playoff, but those hopes took a hit in Week 4 with a 63-10 blowout loss to Indiana. Illinois was nowhere to be found in this contest, looking hopeless on both sides of the ball. They produced just 161 total yards compared to 579 for the Hoosiers. It was a good old fashioned beatdown, and things won’t get any easier for Illinois in Week 5.
Prior to the loss, the Fighting Illini had beaten Western Illinois, Duke, and Western Michigan, with none of those opponents posing much of a threat. The schedule now gets a whole lot more difficult, with the likes of Purdue, Ohio State, Washington, and Wisconsin ahead. Illinois cannot afford to lose another to a Big ten opponent on Saturday, and hopefully, Week 4 was a serious wake-up call. QB Luke Altmyer needs to find his best again as he’s off to a solid start, competing 70% of his passes for 855 yards and nine TDs. Like Maiava, he’s yet to throw a pick. He’ll need more help from his offensive line, already getting sacked 16 times.
USC vs Illinois Picks
I do believe you’ll see a much better version of Illinois show up on Saturday, but USC has looked phenomenal on both sides of the ball, with their offense really standing out. They will be too much for the Fighting Illini. I don’t expect a blowout, but the Trojans will cover.
Pick: USC -6.5 (-115)/Sports Interaction
