Ohio State vs. USC: Over 50.5 Bet and Riley's Future

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USC-Ohio State Over Draws Interest as Lincoln Riley’s Future Comes Into Focus

The over at 50.5 is the preferred play for the USC-Ohio State matchup. USC at +7 was initially appealing, but those numbers were no longer available.

Ohio State’s quarterback change creates uncertainty, but USC’s defense still must contend with Jeremiah Smith and the rest of the offense. Ohio State also had 14 days to prepare for the matchup. USC, meanwhile, will need to play aggressively in a pivotal game for Lincoln Riley. The expectation is that both teams could reach the 30s and push the total beyond 50.5.

Another view is that the game is best avoided. Ohio State has regularly had talented quarterbacks waiting for opportunities, but there are still questions about what its offense will look like with a backup. USC has also been difficult to trust this season. Ohio State’s defense is a known strength, while USC has a good offense, making the matchup challenging to predict. Ohio State was the selection in the pool, but it was not a confident play.

The discussion also turned to Riley’s future, with USC expected to be an underdog in three of its final four games. A 7-5 finish would increase the pressure, although the expectation is that USC would not fire him because of his significant buyout and the uncertainty surrounding potential replacements.

Riley could eventually leave on his own, whether for another college job or a possible NFL opportunity. Pressure from boosters in Los Angeles could push him toward that decision, but it may not happen this year.

His inability to break through at USC remains difficult to explain. Riley arrived with Caleb Williams, who won the Heisman Trophy, and USC reached a Pac-12 title game against Utah as the favorite. A victory would have sent the Trojans to the four-team College Football Playoff, but the team allowed 47 points and fell short.

USC then brought back the Heisman Trophy winner and finished 7-5, while Williams still went first overall. The Trojans followed with a 6-6 season in 2024 and a 9-3 record last year, but the marquee victories were missing. Despite concerns about travel and other challenges, the conclusion was clear: USC should be producing better results.