The Silver Bulletin staff predicts Ohio State vs. USC, including score picks and analysis ahead of Saturday’s Big Ten showdown.

Ohio State travels to Los Angeles for a primetime matchup against USC with plenty on the line for both programs. The Buckeyes are navigating life without Julian Sayin, while Lincoln Riley’s Trojans are looking to rebound and keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive.

The spread opened as Ohio State -7.5 and is now down to Ohio State -6.5, with the moneyline at Ohio State -245 and USC +200. The over/under point total opened at 55.5 and is now down to 51.5, with the injury to Julian Sayin being a factor in that.

The Silver Bulletin staff weighs in with predictions for Saturday’s showdown, including final scores and which team will leave the Coliseum with a critical Big Ten victory.

Dave

The Buckeyes add another road win to their resume in a hard-fought battle.

Ohio State 28, USC 24

Blake Biscardi

At the start of the season, whether Ohio State’s defense could win the Buckeyes a game was in question. I don’t believe that’s the case anymore. Matt Patricia’s unit has played well over the last month, and the road game in the Coliseum will be its best performance to date. Jaylen McClain and Ear Little Jr. are playing as well as anyone in the country on the back end. But the defensive line will set the tone in Los Angeles.

On offense, I expect Mission Viejo product and true freshman Luke Fahey to make his first start for the Buckeyes. This will still be a homecoming start for the Ohio State quarterback, just not for Carlsbad’s Julian Sayin. Arthur Smith needs to remain balanced and be anchored by the offensive line and run game, while Fahey manages the game and avoids the disaster plays to give it away.

Still, I think Ryan Day lets Fahey spin it, and Jeremiah Smith breaks the Big Ten all-time receiving touchdowns record as a result. Chris Henry Jr. and Phillip Bell also make impact plays for the Buckeyes as young receivers.

Ohio State 27, USC 16 

Grant Kincaid

On top of having to move forward with inexperience at quarterback, the Buckeyes take on a USC team with their backs against the wall, fighting for their playoff lives. The best of the team and the coaching staff will have to be at their best heading into The Coliseum on Saturday night.

To me, the defense will be the difference for OSU and ultimately lead them to a win, with some points of its own.

Ohio State 31, USC 24

Dan Smyth

USC will need to step up defensively to have a chance here. I expect Ohio State to gash the Trojans through the air and on the ground consistently, no matter who is at quarterback. Expect big days from Jeremiah Smith and Bo Jackson. Also, do not be surprised if Legend Bey or Chris Henry Jr. make an impact in this one.

On defense, the Buckeyes will be challenged by an explosive USC offense. However, the Buckeyes have faced much more talented wide receiver rooms. This game is a fantastic opportunity for Devin Sanchez to make a statement. Buckeyes win. 

Ohio State 24, USC 14

Josh Cassinger

Ohio State 23, USC 10

Carson Hutton

While these two programs don’t have much recent history, they have battled in bowl games plenty of times. This is a new era of college football with two offensive minds going head-to-head.

USC has struggled in recent matchups with ranked teams, going 2-7 in these games as of late. Ohio State, meanwhile, is 11-1 on the road in October under Ryan Day. I trust the Buckeyes to hold the opposing offense in check and make enough plays with their playmakers to get a result.

Jeremiah Smith, Jay Timmons (if healthy), and the playmakers on both sides of the ball will make enough plays to overcome the backup-quarterback situation and the road environment. It isn’t exactly a tough place to play, and the coaching staff will have a script in place for this offense to succeed, with the defense bailing them out at times.

Jeremiah Smith finds the end zone yet again, while Brandon Inniss helps out in the short passing game with a score. The Buckeyes add another solid win to their resume as they head into the final third of the regular season.

Ohio State 27, USC 17

Cody Croy

I believe the Buckeyes will win with Luke Fahey making his first start in his home state of California. I expect the offense to be fairly conservative, likely leaning on the run game to take pressure off the true freshman quarterback.

Ohio State 21, USC 7

AJ Mahoney

The Buckeyes win an instant classic, as Luke Fahey gets his first win as a starting quarterback.

Ohio State 28, USC 27

Alex Biscardi

Chris Henry steps up for 80 yards and a TD. Luke Fahey is the starting QB, and the defense makes a big statement, only giving up 10 points and getting an early interception to swing momentum.

Ohio State 28, USC 10