#2 Ohio State @ USC
Luke Fahey returns to his home state to lead the #2 Buckeyes into the Coliseum.
Nolan Woodcock
NFL, CFB, NBA + MLB
GAME BETTING LINES
10/31 - 7:30 PM EDT
OSU
6-1
@
USC
6-2
Tonight, at 7:30 p.m. ET, the second-ranked Buckeyes travel to the Coliseum to battle the USC Trojans.
Although this may not have seemed like a much anticipated game a few weeks ago, Ohio State arrives in Cali with some question marks. A key one being second year starting quarterback Julian Sayin being sidelined to injury. Sayin injured his elbow two weeks ago when the Buckeyes went into Bloomington and picked up a 19-15 victory over the Hoosiers.
Next up…true freshman Luke Fahey. What a tough situation for Fahey’s first career college start. Fahey has seen some playing time this season, but mostly all coming in garbage time. This season, Fahey has recorded 203 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.
Fahey entered briefly against the Hoosiers but didn’t give anyone much to prepare for. He was unable to complete a pass in just two attempts.
Fahey will return to his hometown state, where he attended Mission Viejo High School in California. In early evaluations, Fahey was a four-star but ultimately settled as a three-star recruit. Fahey has an interesting family connection to Ohio State. Luke’s grandparents met at and both attended OSU, and his father grew up a Buckeye fan. Pretty neat story.
Fahey will go up against a pretty shitty USC defense. The Trojans allow an average of 25 points and 321 yards per game. Certainly nothing too special. Specifically, USC’s passing defense has been atrocious. My advice to Fahey – find #4 early and often. USC must generate pressure on Fahey and limit explosive plays. Good luck with that.
Where USC may also gain an edge, is that they are playing on their home field. It’s well-known that Lincoln Riley is ass on the road. But, for whatever reason, he gets his guys up for home games. Through the end of the 2025 season, Riley posed a 22-5 home record. This year, at home, the Trojans are 2-1.
The biggest question – Will USC be able to move the ball offensively to keep this game close? The Trojans currently have the 10th best passing offense; however, the 105th ranked rushing offense. The Trojans are much more dangerous through the air than on the ground.
The Trojans have the talent to make this a battle, and with everything on the line, expect intensity, big plays, and an electric environment.
