USC vs. Indiana Prediction: Picks, Props and Best Bets (Nov. 14)

USC vs IU Picks in Summary

• Indiana -9.5 (-110)
• Jayden Maiava Under 232.5 Passing Yards (-114)

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A pair of Big Ten contenders will square off Saturday, November 14, as USC travels to Bloomington to take on Indiana in one of the weekend's most intriguing college football matchups.

The Trojans enter at 7-2 after an impressive 30-18 victory over Ohio State while the Hoosiers are 8-1 and looking to strengthen their College Football Playoff résumé. Indiana's outstanding defense will face a difficult challenge against a talented USC passing attack led by Jayden Maiava.

Using the college football odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as a guide, let's break down two of the best bets for USC vs. Indiana.

All college football odds come from FanDuel Sportsbook and may change after this article is published.

USC vs Indiana Picks and Prediction

Indiana -9.5 (-110)

This number has bounced around this week, opening at 7.5 and jumping to 10.5 before settling in here.

The biggest reason to back Indiana is its outstanding defense. The Hoosiers are surrendering just 12.4 points and 259.2 total yards per game, ranking fourth and fifth nationally, respectively. They've been particularly dominant against the run, allowing only 75.6 rushing yards per contest and 2.3 yards per carry.

That could spell trouble for a USC offense that has struggled to establish a consistent ground game. The Trojans are averaging only 129.4 rushing yards per game, ranking 108th nationally. Indiana's ability to shut down opposing rushing attacks could force USC into predictable passing situations, allowing the Hoosiers' defense to dictate the game.

Indiana also has an advantage when its offense takes the field. The Hoosiers are averaging 186.2 rushing yards per game while USC is allowing 24.2 points per contest. That gives Indiana a path to controlling possession and putting its defense in favorable situations.

The biggest concern with this bet is Indiana's 1-8 record against the spread, along with the absence of leading rusher Turbo Richard, who has been ruled out. Still, the Hoosiers' defensive efficiency and home-field advantage provide a compelling case for them to win comfortably if they can establish their ground game — especially on a day where it’s supposed to be in the mid 40s.

Jayden Maiava Under 232.5 Passing Yards (-114)

Jayden Maiava has been excellent this season, completing 66.9% of his passes for 2,525 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He's averaging 280.6 passing yards per game and 8.5 yards per attempt, so backing his under requires going against some impressive season-long production.

However, Indiana is one of Maiava's most challenging matchups of the year. The Hoosiers are allowing only 183.7 passing yards per game, and their defense has accumulated 32 sacks through nine games. Indiana is also holding opponents to just a 31.6% conversion rate on third down, limiting opportunities for extended drives.

The pass rush could be particularly important. Indiana's ability to generate pressure and create difficult down-and-distance situations should make it harder for Maiava to consistently attack downfield. The Hoosiers have also been excellent at preventing explosive plays, surrendering just 4.1 yards per play.

Maiava threw for 222 yards against Ohio State in his most recent outing, finishing below this line despite USC pulling off an impressive upset. He may need another efficient performance for the Trojans to remain competitive, but efficiency doesn't necessarily translate into substantial passing volume.

Indiana's combination of pressure, third-down defense and overall efficiency creates a reasonable path for him to finish below 233 passing yards. The cold weather doesn’t hurt, either.

College Football Betting FAQ

What are the most common college football bets?

The most common college football bets are the point spread, moneyline, and game total. Bettors can also wager on player props, team totals, alternate spreads, and futures such as conference champions or the national championship winner.

How does the point spread work in college football betting?

The point spread gives one team a handicap to create a more even betting market. If a team is listed at -7.5, it must win by at least eight points for a spread bet on that team to cash. A team listed at +7.5 can lose by seven points or fewer — or win outright — and still cover the spread.

What does over/under mean in college football?

An over/under, also called a game total, is a wager on the combined number of points scored by both teams. Bettors can choose whether the final score will finish over or under the sportsbook's posted total.

What should you consider before betting on college football?

Matchups, quarterback play, offensive and defensive efficiency, injuries, pace, home-field advantage, and coaching tendencies can all be important.

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Looking for the latest college football odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the college football betting options. You can also check out our How to Bet on College Football guide.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.