Dec 27, 2023, 9:15 am ET in NCAAF
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Holiday Bowl Showdown: Louisville vs. USC Betting Analysis

In the wake of the festive season, the college football bowl excitement continues with some captivating matchups on the NCAAF schedule. Among these, the DirectTV Holiday Bowl stands out, featuring a clash between the Louisville Cardinals and the USC Trojans. Despite the big names, the thrill for this game lies in the nuances of the play. Here’s our take on the Holiday Bowl predictions and the top betting choices you should consider.

Louisville Cardinals vs. USC Trojans Odds

Exploring the Holiday Bowl odds is essential for making informed NCAAF betting picks. The current spread places the Louisville Cardinals as seven-point favorites. Additionally, the over/under for this matchup is set at a high of 58.5 total points, offering a challenging decision for bettors.

Louisville’s Calculated Approach

Throughout much of the season, the Louisville Cardinals appeared poised to remain at the forefront of the NCAAF standings. Entering this game with a 10-3 record, Louisville experienced some setbacks as the season neared its end.

Boasting a roster of talented players, the Cardinals face a challenge against USC. With an average season score of 30.9 points, they fall short of USC’s explosive play. Quarterback Jack Plummer’s impressive season is slightly marred by 12 interceptions. For Louisville to rack up points against USC, they’ll need to focus on executing lengthy drives, aiming to exhaust the USC defense.

USC’s Defensive Test

The season ended roughly for USC, with the Trojans struggling even against less dominant teams in the league. Their defense particularly faltered throughout the season, a problem not even Caleb Williams could rectify.

Despite Williams leading USC to an average of over 41 points per game, he won’t be playing in this game. USC also faces the absence of other key players due to NCAAF injuries, placing a heavy burden on their defense. Historically, defense isn’t USC’s strong suit, as they are known for allowing opponents substantial plays and quick scores. In this game, their primary challenge will be to halt Louisville’s advances, a formidable task against a strong team.

Holiday Bowl Predictions Picks

Given the Holiday Bowl odds and USC’s key absences, Louisville stands as a significant favorite. Without Caleb Williams, USC’s offense takes a hit, giving Louisville a clear advantage. Expect the Cardinals to execute prolonged drives, likely keeping the total score under 59 points.

Our top pick is to back the Cardinals to win and cover the seven-point spread. This NCAAF matchup promises to be a defining moment for Louisville as they face a USC team grappling with setbacks.

  • Over/Under: Under 58.5
  • Spread: Louisville Cardinals -7.0

Armed with our Holiday Bowl predictions, it’s your turn to make a move. At Godds, we provide more than just odds; we offer a pathway to betting mastery. Trust in our insights, place your bets with confidence, and join the ranks of those who defy the NCAAF odds.

Whether you’re rooting for Louisville or USC, it’s time to make your bet count. Bet now and experience the thrill of sports betting victory with Godds!

Holiday Bowl Game Information

  • Louisville Cardinals vs. USC Trojans
  • Petco Park, San Diego, CA
  • Wednesday, December 27th, 8:00 PM ET
  • LiveStream: LiveSports.watch