Holiday Bowl: #15 Louisville vs USC Odds, and Picks (Dec 27)

• Louisville came up short in the ACC title game, losing 16-6 to Florida State.
• USC will enter this game at 7-5, after a thoroughly disappointing season.
• This matchup will be the first time in program history that these two teams face off

The college football season is now at the bowl games! Let’s preview the 2023 Holiday Bowl between the Louisville Cardinals and the USC Trojans. The Trojans will be without star QB Caleb Williams in this game.

How to Watch

• FOX

Preview

Louisville reached 10 wins this season for the first time in a decade. The last time they did so was a 12-1 season in their lone year participating in the American conference. That makes this the best season the Cardinals have had since joining the ACC. On the other hand, they failed to take down a Florida State team that was without their starting QB, costing them a chance at a NY6 bowl. They’ll aim to bounce back here.

USC had a tremendously disappointing season this year. After opening the year ranked #6 in the country, as favorites to win the Pac-12, the Trojans lost against every tough opponent they faced. While QB Caleb Williams was mostly as good as advertised, and remains on track to be the #1 selection in the NFL Draft, USC’s defense was once again historically futile. They allowed over 40 ppg across their final nine games.

Prediction

USC’s lack of results this year came because of their inability to stop opposing teams on defense. On the other hand, Louisville came up short in key games because of their offense. That makes this an intriguing matchup between two inconsistent units. That being said, QB Caleb Williams has opted out of this game, which will make the Trojans far less dangerous on offense. The Cardinals should have the advantage here.

NCAAF Picks:

• Louisville 31, USC 23 ()