Northwestern Wildcats vs USC Trojans Prediction and Picks for Friday November 7, 2025
Use Code WWWC The USC Trojans (6-2, 4-1 B10) will host the Northwestern Wildcats (5-3, 3-2 B10). These two programs have not met since the 1996 Rose Bowl, which USC won 41-32.
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Wildcats going for a big win
The Northwestern Wildcats are looking to finish strong and secure only their second winning campaign over the last five seasons, while becoming bowl-eligible. The team had its four-game winning streak snapped on Oct. 25 in a 28-21 loss to Nebraska, but this season has been an overall success so far. Northwestern has gone 5-1-1 against the spread over its last seven games.
Led by head coach David Braun, the Wildcats have excelled at doing the little things right, ranking second behind only Iowa in allowing the fewest penalty yards per game in the nation.
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Offensively, Northwestern sits 102nd in the FBS, averaging 22.5 points per game. They have been stronger on the ground, ranking 30th nationally, rushing for 187.9 yards per game, but the passing attack lags behind at just 118th with 172.4 yards per game. Quarterback Preston Stone has thrown for 1,372 yards, 10 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while completing 58.3% of his passes. Caleb Komolafe leads the rushing attack with 608 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 carries. Griffin Wilde is the top receiver with 570 yards and four touchdowns on 39 catches.
Defensively, the Wildcats have been stronger, ranking 19th in the FBS in yards allowed overall. The Wildcats are 13th nationally against the pass (165.1 yards per game allowed) and 57th against the run (139.1). They also rank 13th in scoring defense, allowing just 16.8 points per game.
USC has been strong at home
No. 23 USC is 4-0 at home this season and returns to the Coliseum for the first time since October 11, when the Trojans beat Michigan 31-13. Since then, USC lost 24-14 at Notre Dame before rebounding with a hard-fought 21-17 road win at Nebraska last week. In that game, Nebraska lost starting quarterback Dylan Raiola to injury in the third quarter.
Carrying on tradition, the Trojans are one of the most explosive offenses in college football. They rank second nationally in total yards per game and have been well-balanced. The team ranks 10th in passing, averaging 302.3 yards per game, and 20th in rushing, picking up 203.6 yards per game on the ground. They are also eighth in scoring, averaging 39.8 points per game.
Jayden Maiava leads the team with 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while completing 65.3% of his passes. He, however, faced adversity last week, going just 9-for-23 for 135 yards and one interception but adding 62 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Waymond Jordan (576 yards, 5 TDs, 6.5 ypc) and King Miller (509 yards, 4 TDs, 7.8 ypc) have made the rushing attack explosive behind a strong offensive line. Makai Lemon leads USC’s receivers with 776 yards and six touchdowns on 50 catches.
Defensively, the Trojans have been solid but not elite, ranking 56th in total defensive yards allowed and 53rd, giving up 22.4 ppg. They are 59th against the pass, allowing 212 yards per game, and 61st against the run, allowing 143.1 ypg.
Northwestern Wildcats vs USC Trojans Predictions
ATS Predictions for Northwestern vs. USC
- Northwestern Wildcats +14.5 (4 units)
The Northwestern Wildcats have played tough this season. They opened Big 10 play in September with a 34-14 loss (but cover) against Oregon, and have since won four of their last five games. On the road in Big Ten play, the Wildcats have a 22-21 win over Penn State, which led to the firing of James Franklin. USC is dangerous offensively, but their defense has shown it is only average against physical running teams. Northwestern is ninth in the nation in time of possession and USC is 59th. With that combination, I expect to see some long drives, which will allow Northwestern to stay respectable and within two touchdowns.
Total Predictions for Northwestern vs. USC
- Under 50.5 (4 units)
Northwestern does not want to get into a shootout with USC and you can expect them to do everything possible to avoid one. With Northwestern's strong pass defense but also lack of an explosive passing attack, I think both teams will pound the rock often in this one. Nebraska provided a blueprint on how to shut down USC last week, and I think Northwestern will have success eliminating huge chunk plays. I like the under in what I expect to be a physical and hard-fought Big Ten battle.
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