Here in Week 11, we get a key Big Ten matchup as Northwestern (5-3) travels to Los Angeles to take on No. 19 USC (6-2) at 9 p.m. ET on FOX.
It might be difficult for USC or Northwestern to make a run at a Big Ten championship considering how dominant Ohio State and Indiana are, but both still have a chance to get a wild-card bid into the College Football Playoff — or at least play in a New Year's Six bowl game.
We'll give you our Northwestern vs. USC prediction, and best picks for PrizePicks college football, including Jayden Maiava stat projections to target.
Northwestern vs. USC Prediction, Friday CFB Picks
USC has been one of the most explosive passing offenses in the country, with QB Jayden Maiava ranking 14th in passing yards (2,314) and WR Makai Lemon landing sixth in receiving yards (776). However, Northwestern is one of the better pass defenses in the country, ranking 13th in passing yards allowed per game (173.0).
Here’s a closer look at our Northwestern vs. USC prediction and breakdown for Friday’s Big Ten matchup.
Northwestern Preview vs. USC
- Northwestern head coach David Braun, in his second full season at the job, has completely changed this program. Last year, following the firing of former head coach Pat Fitzgerald for hazing allegations, they finished the season 4-8. This year, the Wildcats have already exceeded that with a 5-3 record.
- The defense has anchored them, as they are fifth in the Big Ten in points allowed (16.8) and seventh in total yards allowed (304.3).
- The biggest issue is the lack of offense. They are 15th in points per game (22.5) and have scored under 20 points in three of five Big Ten matchups.
USC Preview vs. Northwestern
- USC started the season off incredibly, scoring 30+ points in the first six games. However, they have taken a dip, failing to hit 30 in back-to-back contests.
- In Week 10 against Nebraska, Maiava and Lemon struggled offensively, with Maiava throwing less than 200 yards for the first time this season, and Lemon catching less than 20 yards for the second straight time against the Cornhuskers.
- The Trojans' defense has been their weakness during Lincoln Riley's head coaching era. They are once again struggling this season, ranking 12th in the Big Ten in points allowed (22.4) and total yards allowed (355.1).
Northwestern vs. USC Picks for PrizePicks
Here are the Northwestern vs. USC picks to target in PrizePicks' real-money college football game, including Caleb Komolafe and Jayden Maiava.
Northwestern RB Caleb Komolafe Projection: 70.5 Rushing Yards
- Caleb Komolafe has more than 70 rushing yards in four of his last five games.
- Komolafe has become the lead back in recent weeks, with 16 or more carries in four of his last six games.
- The sophomore’s 4.9 yards per carry is 18th in the FBS since Week 3 (minimum 100 carries).
- From Weeks 3-10, Komolafe’s 3.0 average yards after contact is 18th.
- Southern Cal is 37th in yards after contact allowed (2.6).
- USC is 112th in rushing yards allowed over their last three games (201.0).
- The Trojans are 129th in opponents’ rush success (46.5%).
USC WR Makai Lemon Projection: 89.5 Receiving Yards
- Makai Lemon has less than 90 receiving yards in back-to-back games.
- Lemon is second in the Big Ten with 776 receiving yards.
- Northwestern has allowed one wide receiver to catch for over 90 yards in five conference matchups.
- The Wildcats have allowed the seventh-fewest 20+ yard receptions (18).
- In Week 10 against Nebraska, Lemon did not have a 20+ reception for the first time this season. The Cornhuskers have allowed the second-fewest 20+ yard receptions (12).
USC QB Jayden Maiava Projection: 264.5 Passing Yards
- Jayden Maiava has over 265 passing yards in three of his last four games.
- Maiava only had 135 passing yards in his last matchup against Nebraska, which is second in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (128.3).
- Northwestern is fifth in the Big Ten in passing yards allowed per game (165.1).
- USC’s offensive line is allowing pressure on 34.3% of snaps, which ranks 94th.
- NW’s defense applies pressure on 36.3% of snaps, ranking 43rd.
- Maiava has the third-highest yards per completion for all quarterbacks with over 200 pass attempts (9.8).
- The Wildcats are 25th in yards allowed per completion (10.7).
USC has just one loss in the Big Ten, so there is still a chance to play in the conference championship. Another loss could make it tougher, so each game is becoming crucial.
It will be a tough matchup against the highly improved Northwestern, with one of the top defenses in the conference.
Tonight's Big Ten matchup is a perfect spot to make CFB picks on PrizePicks to win real money.
Just pick your players, predict More or Less on their weekly stat projections, and cash in if your picks are correct.
Check out the Playbook throughout the remainder of the CFB season for more analysis for your PrizePicks and CFB DFS Lineups.
