This weekend, the Trojans take on the Illini. USC enters this clash red-hot, putting up 73, 33, 59, and 45 points in their first 4 games. Even the Trojans have dominated in conference too, outscoring Purdue and MI State 78-48. On the other hand, Illinois is looking to regroup after a rough loss to Indiana, giving up 63 points. This game is shaping up to be an intense showdown. Adding extra hype, FOX’s Big Noon Kickoff crew will cover both teams live.

The last meeting between USC and No. 23 Illinois dates back to the 2008 Rose Bowl, when the Trojans rolled to a 49-17 win over the Illini. Fast forward 17 years, and the matchup looks completely different. Now, it’s a conference battle with big stakes. Illinois is eager to turn the page after recent struggles, while USC looks to keep its momentum alive. Now with Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt, and Jenny Taft calling the action, fans are in for an electric broadcast.

Before hosting ESPN’s “Black College Sports Today” in 1991, Gus Johnson started his career in broadcasting at KXXV-TV in Waco. Known for his high-octane energy, Gus now calls CFB and basketball for Fox Sports, making every play feel unforgettable. On the flip side, Joel Klatt began his media journey in 2006, filling in as an analyst for Friday night high school football.

As a former Buffs QB, Klatt brings sharp insight and expert breakdowns as the color commentator. On the sidelines, veteran reporter Jenny Taft keeps fans close to the action, interviewing coaches and players while uncovering locker room stories. Now, together, this experienced trio, working in sync for over 8 years, brings unmatched expertise and excitement to Saturday’s must-watch matchup. But what to watch?

USC enters this game with a shaky record against ranked teams. Illinois is facing its own hurdles, dealing with key injuries in the secondary, including CB Xavier Scott and safety Matthew Bailey, while USC’s star WR Ja’Kobi Lane remains questionable. But the Illini thrive at home; they’re 8-1 at Gies Memorial Stadium since last season, with notable wins over ranked teams like Michigan and Kansas. Now with USC trying to regain momentum and Illinois defending its turf, fans can expect a hard-fought clash from kickoff. But who might still climb to the top?

Illinois vs. USC: Who will take the victory?

SP+ favors USC to take this one, projecting a 34-26 win and a 7.6-point margin over Illinois. On top of that, the model gives the Trojans a 68 percent chance to win outright, highlighting its tempo- and opponent-adjusted system. Even FanDuel echoes the Trojans’ edge.

USC is a 6.5-point favorite, with a total set at 60.5 points. Then, the moneyline favors USC at -245, while Illinois sits at +198. Right now, most bettors are backing USC to cover and stay undefeated, with 61 percent picking the Trojans to win by at least a TD. The other 39 percent expect an upset or a tight game. Interestingly, computer models agree, including the CFB Power Index.

USC comes out on top in 72.9 percent of the sims, with Illinois winning 27.1 percent. So, the expected margin? About 6.3 points, suggesting a closer game than the oddsmakers indicate. Historically, the Power Index has been accurate about 75 percent of the time, making this a trusted prediction for a high-stakes B1G clash. Still, it’s just a prediction; the real story will be written on the field come game day.