#21 Iowa vs. #17 USC Picks and Predictions: Big Ten Battle in LA

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Jayden Maiava and USC host the Iowa Hawkeyes this Saturday in LA - Iowa USC Picks

The No. 21 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes try to pick themselves up after a heartbreaking loss at home as they travel west to take on the No. 17 USC Trojans. Both of these ranked Big Ten teams meet up with their hopes of the College Football Playoff pretty much out the window. With three losses, the Hawkeyes are only hoping for the best bowl possible, and USC needs a lot of chaos in order to sneak in. They meet up in LA to play for pride, and we’ve got our expert picks below.

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#21 Iowa Hawkeyes vs. #17 USC Trojans NCAA Football Insights

Kirk Frentz and the Hawkeyes head out west this weekend to face the USC Trojans - Iowa USC Picks

Kirk Frentz and the Hawkeyes head out west this weekend to face the USC Trojans

Iowa has three tough losses this year. They dropped the Cyhawk Series to Iowa State on the road, and lost to two top 10 teams at home in Indiana and Oregon, playing them both to single possession contests. But on the road, this is a much different team. It’s been over a month since they’ve had to travel when they shutout the Badgers, and going into the LA Coliseum might be a bit of a wake up call for the visitors.

USC has been very dominant all year long, especially at home. Their two losses are to Illinois on a last second 50 yard field goal on the road, and against a very good Notre Dame team in South Bend, where they ended up covering the closing line of +11. They’ve had an extra day of rest as they beat Northwestern last Friday, and haven’t done any traveling since the first of the month. USC is well rested and I think they’ll be able to get the job done.

Matchup Information – Iowa vs. USC – November 15

  • Venue & Location: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
  • Kick Off: 3:30 p.m. Eastern
  • Broadcast: Big Ten Network

Iowa vs. USC Betting Odds

Odds are courtesy of BetOnline, one of our favorite online sportsbooks, as of November 14, 2025 at 1:54 p.m. eastern. Sign up today with Promo Code BNBOL55 for a 55% deposit bonus. BetOnline offers a wide variety of unique markets across nearly every sport imaginable.

Spread

  • Iowa +6 (-105)
  • USC -6 (-115)

Moneyline

  • Iowa +185
  • USC -218

Total

  • Over 48.5 (-115)
  • Under 48.5 (-105)

#21 Iowa vs. #17 USC NCAA Football Picks and Predictions

Makai Lemon has seven touchdowns and 937 receiving yards on 61 catches this year, leading the Trojans in all categories - Iowa USC Picks

Makai Lemon has seven touchdowns and 937 receiving yards on 61 catches this year, leading the Trojans in all categories

Iowa vs. USC Prediction: USC Wins and Covers, Over 48.5

Best Bet: USC Team Total Over 27.5 (-115) BetOnline

Let’s start with the basics. USC is the fourth highest scoring offense in the nation and lead the country in yards per game. At home, they are 4-1 against the spread and have cleared this team total in all five contests. Plus they are No. 3 in the Big Ten and have the potential to move up if the Buckeyes or Hoosiers were to lose (doubtful).

Iowa has not been tested on the road this year. They had a rivalry game against Iowa State that was centuries ago and probably in front of a split crowd. On the road against Rutgers, they allowed 400 yards of offense and 28 points to the Scarlet Knights, even though they came out with a 10 point victory. That’s the only time Iowa has allowed this number during the season, but you could certainly argue this is the most potent offense they’ve faced away from home.

The Hawkeyes have a stellar defense, but having your CFP hopes and dreams crushed on your own field and then traveling the furthest distance of the season is tough. Motivation might be low for the visitors. I don’t see their defense holding strong in this one on the road.

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