Sportsbooks for US players favor the Iowa Hawkeyes over the USC Trojans by two points, as the spread goes for the 2019 Holiday Bowl on December 27, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego, California.
USC Trojans vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 2019 Holiday Bowl Odds by Xbet.ag
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USC | +2 (-110) | 52 (-110) | +110 |  |
| Iowa | -2 (-110) | 52 (-110) | -130 | |
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Betting USC Trojans
The Trojans had an 8-4 record (7-2 in Pac 12 play) for the 2019 regular season. In addition to that, USC finished 7-5 ATS, per the best online sportsbooks. Starting QB Kedon Slovis is 260 of 362 (71.8%) for 3,242 yards with 28 TDs, nine picks, and 21 sacks. Wide receiver Michael Pittman has 95 receptions for 1,222 yards and 11 TDs.
The Trojans’ air raid offense ranks 5th in the country with 335.9 passing yards per game. Running back Vavae Malepeai has rushed for 466 yards and six TDs on 97 carries. USC gains just 127.8 yards on the ground per game, which ranks them 110th. The Trojans’ 35th-ranking scoring offense (33.2 ppg) has scored 31 or more points in their last three games (average: 41.3 ppg).
Drake Jackson has 5.5 sacks, linebacker John Houston has 100 tackles, and safety Isaiah Pola-Mao has four interceptions. USC allows 415.4 total yards per game (84th), including 248.9 through the air (99th). The Trojans are tied for 65th in scoring defense, allowing 27.8 points per game.
USC is, according to sportsbooks for US players, 6-2-1 ATS playing a team with a winning record. 2-5 ATS in their last seven after an ATS win. And 6-15-1 ATS in their last 22 games after a straight-up win.
“Slovis’ [sic] rise to starter and more this season has been one of the most interesting stories in college football. He entered the season third on the depth chart, but after some injuries, Slovis got his chance to shine. Torched Pac-12 defense through the air and become the Pac-12’s Freshman Offensive Player of the Year. He also became the first Trojan to pass for 400 yards four times in a season. Slovis is in the national Top 20 in 5 passing stat categories: completion percentage, yards, TDs, efficiency, and completions,” 247 sports.com reports.
Betting Iowa Hawkeyes
The Hawkeyes posted a 9-3 record (6-3 in Big Ten play). What’s more, Iowa went 5-7 ATS, as recorded by sportsbooks for US players. Starting QB Nate Stanley is 219 of 372 (58.9%) for 2,738 yards with 14 TDs, seven picks, and 21 sacks. Wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette has 42 catches for 676 yards and four TDs. Running back Tyler Goodson has 590 yards and four TDs on 116 carries.
The Hawkeyes average 369.8 total yards per game, ranking them 98th in the country. Iowa’s 99th-ranked scoring offense (23.8 ppg) has not broken the 30-point mark in a game since Sep. 28.
Defensive end AJ Epenesa has nine sacks, linebacker Kristian Welch has 80 tackles, and defensive back Michael Ojemudia has three interceptions. The Hawkeyes have the 12th-best total defense (304.3 ypg) and the 11th-best pass defense (184.2 ypg).
Moreover, Iowa holds opponents to just 13.2 points per game (5th).
The Hawkeyes are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five games in December. 6-2 ATS in their last eight non-conference games. And 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games on grass.
“Hayden Fry, who helped the University of Iowa Hawkeyes football program return to national prominence in his 20 seasons as head coach, died Tuesday after battling cancer, according to Fry’s family. He was 90 years old,” reported CNN.
USC Trojans vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 2019 Holiday Bowl Pick
Perhaps the death of the mythic Fry will motivate the Hawkeyes to pay him homage with a bowl win. But then, probably not. Take USC and the points.
The best way to be gameday ready? Be there LIVE! Lock in your Holiday Bowl package with @PRIMESPORT and experience this year’s game like a champ! https://t.co/DMIs7tPqzW #collegefootball #HolidayBowl pic.twitter.com/UC4tg2cv4X
— Holiday Bowl (@HolidayBowl) December 17, 2019
