USC vs Northwestern: Odds, Predictions & Key Insights | February 4, 2025

USC and Northwestern meet in a Big Ten showdown, with both teams facing pivotal moments in their seasons. The Trojans are riding high after a statement win over Michigan State, while the Wildcats are desperate to snap a three-game losing streak. With travel, fatigue, and key matchups in play, this game sets up as a crucial battle for both squads.

Let’s get into one of Tuesday’s most intriguing matchups!

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USC vs Northwestern Odds

Can Northwestern beat USC and get back into the win column?

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, a longtime fixture among the top online sports betting sites. Check out our BetOnline sportsbook review, then bag a big bonus (100% if your first deposit is with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another cryptocurrency) to bet on College Basketball games.

Spread

USC: +1 (-110)

Northwestern: -1 (-110)

Total

Over: 140.5 (-110)

Under: 140.5 (-110)

USC vs Northwestern Best Bet

A Big Ten classic is set as the USC Trojans face the Northwestern Wildcats in Evanston. USC is coming off a huge win over Michigan State on Saturday and now must travel to the North Side of Chicago. Meanwhile, Northwestern is desperate for a win, having dropped three straight to Illinois, Rutgers, and Wisconsin. Their last victory came against Indiana on January 22nd.

USC has barely traveled this season, playing just four true road games. Their longest trip was to Indiana nearly a month ago, meaning they have not faced much travel fatigue. Now, they take on Northwestern on Tuesday before heading to West Lafayette to face Purdue on Friday. The Wildcats, on the other hand, host USC before flying west to play Washington on Saturday—but with their losing streak, they will not be looking ahead.

At home, Northwestern has been outstanding, boasting a 10-3 record. They feature a top-100 offense, a top-75 defense, and excel at protecting the basketball while forcing turnovers. Their interior defense will be key against a USC team that ranks top 50 in two-point offense. However, the Trojans have struggled from beyond the arc on the road, sitting at 318th in three-point shooting—an area where Northwestern’s defense has been vulnerable.

With USC in a tricky spot, likely looking ahead to Friday’s showdown at Purdue and coming off an emotional win over Michigan State, this feels like the perfect time to back Northwestern to snap its losing streak.