USC vs. Rice picks, predictions: Who wins Week 1 college football game on Saturday?
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The Rice Owls face the USC Trojans at the Coliseum in a Week 1 college football game on Saturday.
Which team will win the game?
Check out these picks and predictions for the game, which is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. MST and can be seen on Pac-12 Networks.
USC is a 34.5-point favorite in the game, according to Tipico Sportsbook.
Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions:
College Football News: USC 45, Rice 10
Pete Fiutak writes: "You wanted the show, you got the show. USC will start fast, get up without a problem, and then the story will be a defense that will try proving that 2021 was just a blip. Rice will generate a few scores, but it won’t have a prayer of keeping up."
College football Week 1 picks, predictions:
Odds Shark: USC 33.4, Rice 22.8
The site predicts that USC will win, but takes Rice with the points. It has the total going under.
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 picks, predictions: Oregon vs. Georgia, Utah vs. Florida key games
ESPN: USC has a 96.1% chance to get the victory vs. Rice
The site gives Rice a 3.9% shot to pick up the win against USC.
Predictem.com: USC will cover vs. Rice in Week 1 game
Loot Levinson writes: "Again, the sight of Rice in the Coliseum running around with those funky uniforms doesn’t hit the eye right. It won’t look like they even belong there, and I think the game will follow suit. How far USC goes this season and whether the defense can turn it around and the coaching and new talent can manifest isn’t a slam-dunk. It might not be this season. But I don’t think Rice can bring any of these shortcomings about, as this will be something we maybe see down the road in tougher spots. With a new cast and looking to make a good first impression, I suspect the Trojans do the Owls ugly in week one. I’ll take the Trojans."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 odds: Point spreads, money lines, over/under for conference games
Sports Memo: Take USC to cover against Rice on Saturday
It writes: "This should be an exciting matchup, but potentially one sided at that. USC has yet to lose in the three matchups between these two teams with the two wins ending in shutout wins for the Trojans. It has been a while since USC has taken on a CUSA foe, but they walked away with a win in ’99 against LA Tech. They have won 5 straight home openers, but they are just 1-4 ATS in those games. While Rice looks to improve their 3-7 record in the L10 true road openers, but they have covered four out of those five games. The Owls are also just 2-7 against power five teams, with their most recent win coming against Kansas in back in 2013."
Fansided: USC 63, Rice 13
Jackson Caudell writes: "To open up the Lincoln Riley era at USC, the Trojans will be welcoming the Rice Owls to Southern California. The Owls have had some success in recent years as a program after being towards the bottom of Conference USA. However, it is hard to see the Trojans not wanting to run up the score on Rice and make their presence known in week one. Look for USC to score early and often in this one and for this game to be wrapped up by halftime."
More: Pac-12 football Week 1 schedule: Game dates, times, television channels, how to watch
Reign of Troy: USC will beat Rice in season opener
Evan Desai writes: "USC football will have no issue against Rice, who will just be happy to be there and experience the Coliseum. SC will have a chance to figure out just how explosive their offense can be. Riley did put up over 50 points four times last year with OU, and week 1 will be SC's best opportunity to figure out just how many points they can put up."
Sports Chat Place: Take USC to cover vs. Rice
It writes: "I’m going with USC, but the line is probably too thick to mess with. It’s going to be an interesting year for the Trojans in 2022 as they pivot to join up with the Big Ten in 2024. The big question for the Trojans is how well they’ll bounce back from last year’s dismal campaign, and by most indications USC should take a huge step forward. Lincoln Riley will need to win immediately to keep the pressure off, and the good news is that he’s got the offense to do it. Transfer Jordan Addison will give the team a star option on the outside and keep the passing game flying high. I like USC to come out of the gate strong here and post a solid cover."
More: Pac-12 football title odds: USC, Utah, Oregon favored to win conference in 2022 season
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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: USC vs. Rice football picks, predictions Week 1 college game
