Louisville vs. USC football - 2023 Holiday Bowl Showdown

 

USC football 🏈

In a gridiron spectacle set to unfold at Petco Park in San Diego, the No. 15 Louisville Cardinals (10-3) go head-to-head with the USC Trojans (7-5) in the 2023 Holiday Bowl. Notable absences loom large, with former Heisman winner Caleb Williams (USC) and Louisville's Jawhar Jordan opting out for NFL draft preparations. Yet, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown as hungry backups, Miller Moss for USC and Isaac Guerendo for Louisville, step into pivotal roles.

As the Cardinals enter as 7-point favorites, with an over/under set at 59 points per SportsLine consensus, the game's outcome remains unpredictable. SportsLine's Projection Model, a profitable force with a history of impressive returns, has simulated every FBS college football game 10,000 times, offering insights crucial for making informed picks.

Louisville's optimism for covering the spread hinges on quarterback Jack Plummer, a seasoned player with a track record of over 3,000 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. Their defense, resilient despite opt-outs, stands firm after allowing just 19.7 points and 307.4 yards per game.

On the USC front, Moss, a four-star recruit, steps into the spotlight with determination, completing 72.9% of his limited 59 passes and showcasing versatility with rushing touchdowns. The Trojans, previously ranked No. 6, aim to rebound from a late-season dip and prove their m

ettle.