The USC Trojans face their first test in the Big Ten this week verus the Purdue Boilermakers. USC still finds itself out of many top 25 rankings due to its level of competition. I don’t think a win this week will be viewed as being greater than its previous wins. The Trojans are favored by 20.5 points at Purdue for this game. They were favored by 21.5 earlier in the week.
In our Southern California Football Roundtable, the writers at Trojans Wire and UCLA Wire discuss whether 21.5 is a fair line for this matchup between two Big Ten Teams. Here are our thoughts on the spread:
Editor Matt Zemek
Too high. Purdue is a lot better than the doormat it was last year under a previous coach. New boss Barry Odom is good. He has shown at multiple places that he can fix up a football program. Purdue’s defense looks solid and will provide a much bigger challenge than what previous USC opponents offered. These two cupcake games for USC were so easy for the offense that Purdue, by comparison, will look like a good team. This isn’t to say that Purdue is a good team, just that it’s a lot better than the two atrocious opponents the Trojans have faced. We haven’t even talked about one other key point: USC did not handle Big Ten road trips well last year. It didn’t win a single Big Ten road game in the Central or Eastern time zones. USC by 22 or more points in West Lafayette? I have to see it before I believe it. I would set the line at 14.5, not 21.5.
Trojans Wire Writer Micah Huff
I think it’s just right, I know it’s the Trojans’ first Big Ten game, but they have shown they can score with the best of them. Purdue is also 2-0 to start the season but they are coming off a 31-17 win versus Southern Illinois. I think the Trojans can have their way with the Boilermakers and win by 25 points at least
Trojans Wire Writer Adam Bradford
Too high. Purdue looks significantly better than they were last year (an extremely low bar). USC also has just three victories by 20 or more points under Lincoln Riley, with all three coming at home. I still think the Trojans win the game handily, but 21.5 feels a little too high.
UCLA Wire Writer Ryan Lorenz
It looks like it’s a fair line. Purdue has improved massively from last year to this year, but the game shouldn’t be a close game by any means. Is 21.5 a bit too high? Maybe, but USC has dominated their opponents this year and Purdue is facing their first big challenge. It’s the Boilermakers time to prove that they can stand with the big dogs in the Big Ten.
UCLA Wire Writer Dylan McNeill
It seems like a fair line in my opinion. Purdue has gotten off to a strong start to the season and looks much improved by last year. USC has looked great to start the season but have yet to face a Power Four school. Purdue is far from a powerhouse but the Trojans do have to go to Indiana for the game, which adds another level of difficulty. The travel won’t change the game’s outcome but could save a few points for the Boilermakers.
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