USC vs. Nevada: Trojans open as 38.5-point favorites vs Wolf Pack

USC got a jump start on most of the rest of college football with a Week 0 game, a 56-28 win over San Jose State to move to 1-0. And the Trojans are already heavily favored to make it to 2-0.

Hosting Nevada in Week 1, USC is favored by 38.5 points, according to the Vegas Insider line. It’s a hefty line, but one that the USC offense, led by reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams, can probably overcome.

The star signal caller looked sharp in the opener, flambeing the Spartans defense to the tune of 278 yards and four touchdowns while completing 18-of-25 passes. He also had a highlight-reel touchdown on a broken play in the second quarter.

And while Williams and the offense shone for USC in Week 0, the defense didn’t do much to provide answers to the numerous questions about it that lingered through the offseason. At various points, the Trojans offered little resistance to the Spartans and gave up a touchdown with 11 seconds left that cut the halftime lead to 21-14.

But in the second half, the Trojans eventually clamped down, building out a big lead and ultimately cruising to a win.

USC is hoping the Week 0 win is the start of a special year

Williams expects the Trojans to build on a double-digit win season a year ago and push for a College Football Playoff berth.

Williams opened his media availability on Wednesday by talking about what this campaign could represent for himself and his program. He said it’s nothing against last year’s team but that this year’s version already feels similar if not better.

“Going in year three? It’s pretty special,” Williams said. “We’ve got a special team this year. It was a special team last year. But, this year, it’s a special year for myself and for this team.”

Special is one of the right words to use when you consider what 2022 was in Hollywood for Riley, Williams, and the Trojans. They went 11-3 by posting the third-best offense in the nation and reached the Pac-12 Championship while also being a win in that game away from making the College Football Playoff.

Williams himself was also spectacular en route to winning the Heisman Trophy, USC’s eighth in the history of their program. His numbers from the year, which included over 4,500 passing yards and 42 touchdowns, have solidified him as the sport’s best quarterback and one of its best players, if not the best.

Riley also feels like this year’s roster already has a different vibe to it. Now, after coming up short come the postseason, Williams wants this run to be significant based on what they accomplish compared to what they left on the table a year ago.