USC vs. Iowa

HOLIDAY BOWL - USC got blasted in its last two games as an underdog, losing to Washington (28-14) and Oregon (56-24). They are in the role of underdog again as they head to San Diego for the Holiday Bowl, and the Trojans are 4-14 ATS as a dog. The defense has given up 30+ points five times. USC is 2-9 ATS in non-conference games and 6-15-1 ATS following a victory and 5-15-1 ATS after getting 280+ yards passing in their previous game. They face an Iowa squad that has great balance. Senior QB Nate Stanley is a three-year starter while the defense is loaded with talent. The Hawkeyes defense ranked fifth nationally in scoring defense (13.2 points per game) and #10 in pass defense allowing just 184.2 yards per game led by two-time first-team All-Big Ten defensive star end A.J. Epenesa, a likely first-round NFL draft pick. Iowa is 48-26 ATS against teams that average 5.9+ yards per play, so back the superior defense. Play Iowa.