This Saturday’s sportsbook USC vs Ohio State odds may be the hottest play of the weekend, as the No.3 Trojans heads to Columbus to face the No.8 Buckeyes, who are out to avenge last year’s 35-3 whipping in Los Angeles.

USC vs Ohio State Betting – Saturday, September 12, 8:00 PM ET

The Trojans cruised to a 56-3 throttling over San Jose State in Matt Barkley’s debut, and the freshman did a great job managing the game as he went 15-of-19 for 233 yards and a touchdown. He also learned that he doesn’t have to do it on his own, as the Trojans may have the deepest backfield in the country. USC ran for 342 yards, led by Joe McKnight’s 145 yards and two scores. The defense held San Jose State to 121 yards, including a paltry nine on the ground. With their ground game and defense, look for many online betting players to favor the Trojans throughout the year.

The Buckeyes nearly avoid a major upset in a 31-27 win over Navy, as they needed a pick from Brian Rolle on a two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter to seal the deal. Terrelle Pyror was 14-of-21 for 174 yards, a touchdown and a pick, while running for 30 yards and another score. The defense forced three turnovers, but allowing 186 yards on the ground must have USC’s running backs salivating.

USC is a 7-point favorite on the road on Saturday night in the week’s biggest matchup, and coach Pete Carroll is a master of these sort of games. The Trojans have won seven straight road openers against non-conference foes under Carroll, and he’s done it with four different pivots under center. The Trojans will instead focus on the running game until Ohio State proves they can stop it. USC ran for 164 yards in Los Angeles last year, and this year’s Ohio State defense isn’t as good as the 2008 unit. This will be a closer game than last year’s beating, but the Trojans’ running backs, with a couple of possible NFL picks leading the way, should have enough in the tank to cover the road spread. Go with the Trojans in your gambling software.