Prior to each USC football game this season, I will be giving five predictions for the contest. In Week 1 against Missouri State, I absolutely nailed them. The past three weeks, however, have been more of a mixed bag.
Can I get back on track this week for the Trojans‘ top 25 showdown in Champaign? There is only one way to find out. Here are five predictions for USC vs. Illinois:
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A fast start
The Trojans have failed to score a touchdown on their opening offensive drive in each of the past three weeks. That changes on Saturday.
Another big Lemon game
With Ja’Kobi Lane out last week, fellow wide receiver Makai Lemon stepped up and had a huge game. With Lane’s status once again in doubt this week, Lemon goes over the 100-yard mark for the second game in a row.
Maiava first turnover
Through four games, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava has yet to throw an interception on the season. Playing on the road in a hostile environment Saturday, that changes.
The over hits
60.5 is a high number, but I think that this game is going to be a shootout.
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The game comes down to the final possession
Last year, USC had numerous opportunities to win close games on the road, and failed in nearly every one of them. Saturday is going to tell us a lot about whether this is a truly different Trojan team from the 2024 group.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Adam Bradford’s predictions for USC football versus Illinois
