{"id":449925,"date":"2026-09-01T12:36:11","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T12:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/449925\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T12:36:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T12:36:11","slug":"fresno-state-vs-usc-prediction-odds-and-key-players-to-watch-for-college-football-week-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/449925\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresno State vs. USC Prediction, Odds and Key Players to Watch for College Football Week 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

USC star quarterback Jayden Maiava made an early Heisman statement in Week 0 against the San Jose State Spartans, tossing two scores while completing 25 of his 29 passes for 286 yards.\u00a0<\/p>\n

USC cruised to a 42-26 win, and it\u2019s looking to keep things rolling against Fresno State in Week 1 on Friday. Lincoln Riley\u2019s squad is already ranked in the top-25, and another commanding win could push it up before the next AP Poll.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fresno State is beginning its first season in the brand-new look Pac-12, and it\u2019s expected to be in the mix for a winning season. It also will have a new quarterback under center, as head coach Matt Entz named Jayden Mandal as the starter on Monday.<\/p>\n

Mandal has dealt with injuries in his collegiate career and has only attempted nine passes (back in 2024). The young quarterback had surgery for an ulnar nerve transposition and also dealt with a UCL tear in his throwing arm, a shoulder cyst and a torn labrum.<\/p>\n

Earlier this summer, he shared that he\u2019s fully healthy and ready to go.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Yeah, 100%,” Mandal said. “There’s always that fear when you get a surgery: Am I going to come back healthy? Is it going to take a long time? But just trusting God’s plan and knowing what he has for me got me through that, and I’m so blessed. I’m back, and I’m 100%.”<\/p>\n

Even with Mandal under center, Fresno State is facing an uphill battle in Week 1. USC already has a 16-point win (though it did not cover) this season, and it\u2019s heavily favored on Friday night.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the odds, a player to watch and my prediction for this Week 1 clash.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fresno State vs. USC Odds, Spread and Total<\/p>\n

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook<\/a><\/p>\n

Spread<\/p>\n

Fresno State +22.5 (-112)USC -22.5 (-108)<\/p>\n

Moneyline<\/p>\n

Fresno State: +1300USC: -2800<\/p>\n

Total<\/p>\n

51.5 (Over -115\/Under -105)Fresno State vs. USC How to WatchDate: Friday, Sept. 4Time: 9:00 p.m. ESTVenue: Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumHow to Watch (TV): FOXFresno State record: 0-0USC record: 1-0Fresno State vs. USC Key Player to WatchJayden Maiava, Quarterback, USC<\/p>\n

Maiava turned the ball over quite a bit in the 2025 season, but if he takes care of it better in 2026, he\u2019ll be in the Heisman hunt for USC.<\/p>\n

After a two-score showing against San Jose State, Maiava should need to do a little more with his arm to get the Trojans another win against a Fresno State team that should be in the mix to have a winning record in the Pac-12.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Maiava led the Big Ten in passing yards in 2025 (3,711), and he has a real chance to be picked in the 2027 NFL Draft. The USC star helped the team take a 28-0 first-half lead in Week 0 before eventually taking a seat for Jonas Williams.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fresno State vs. USC Prediction and Pick<\/p>\n

USC\u2019s offense has the potential to be one of the best in the country with Maiava leading the way, and it hung 28 points in the first half and 42 for the game against San Jose State.<\/p>\n

Now, Fresno State should be a much tougher opponent, and the Bulldogs\u2019 offense may be able to do some damage after San Jose State dropped 26 points in Week 0.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The OVER hit in the majority of the Trojans\u2019 games last season, and 68 combined points in Week 0 has them pointing in the right direction to repeat that in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the late naming of a starting quarterback is little concerning for Fresno State, it had a strong defense last season (fifth in EPA\/Play) that should help it avoid a blowout where USC would sit down Maiava and other starters.<\/p>\n

I think we could see this game go OVER the total, as USC\u2019s offense is explosive enough to drop 30 points on just about anyone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Pick: OVER 51.5 (-115 at DraftKings)<\/a><\/p>\n

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.<\/p>\n

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.<\/p>\n

Claim the latest\u00a0DraftKings promo code<\/a>\u00a0offer today. Sign up and get\u00a0$150 in bonus bets instantly when you make your first $5 bet.<\/a><\/p>\n

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