The Indiana Hoosiers are back in action this Saturday with a pivotal matchup against the USC Trojans. With Indiana 8-1 and ranked No. 9 and USC 7-2 and ranked No. 18, this clash will have a big impact on the Big Ten title race as well as the College Football Playoff picture.
Both teams are coming off bye weeks, meaning that both sides should be well-rested and prepared to bring their best.
Indiana opened as a 7.5-point favorite over USC. However, those betting odds have shifted on Thursday.
Indiana vs. USC betting odds signal confidence in the Hoosiers
The point spread in this crucial Big Ten matchup has moved two points in Indiana's favor. Via FanDuel Sportsbook, the Hoosiers are now favored by 9.5 points. Here is a look at the full Indiana vs USC betting odds:
Moneyline
USC (+290)
Indiana (-360)
Spread
USC +9.5 (-110)
Indiana -9.5 (-110)
Total
Over 50.5 (-110)
Under 50.5 (-110)
The cause of the shift in betting odds in favor of Indiana and against USC is a bit unknown. The first Big Ten availability report for Week 11 was released on Wednesday, and the Trojans aren't down any key players. Meanwhile, Indiana will be without RB Turbo Richard and DE Kellan Wyatt. Those are two players who have made a big impact this season.
Two other key Hoosier contributors, CB AJ Harris and LB Rolijah Hardy are listed as questionable. Those injury designations could be worrisome for Indiana when Saturday rolls around, yet the spread has moved in IU's favor.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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Indiana looking to make a big statement against USC
Motivation and sense of urgency will be high for both teams. But Indiana could enter this one with something to prove.
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The Hoosiers were ranked as the No. 4 team in the country when the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season were released two weeks ago. Indiana then had a bye week in Week 10, but somehow fell five spots all the way down to No. 9 in this week's CFP rankings. It doesn't make much sense, and gives Curt Cignetti and company a chip on their shoulder entering the USC game.
Now, Indiana has a chance to make a statement against a USC team that will be looking to pull off a huge upset on the road. A convincing win would go a long way toward reminding the selection committee why the Hoosiers belong among the nation's elite. With the playoff picture continuing to take shape every week, Cignetti's team can't afford to let another opportunity slip away.
Coming off a bye week, look for the Hoosiers to be well-prepared and ready to roll. Kick-off between the Hoosiers and Trojans is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium in Bloomington.
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