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Louisville is a touchdown favorite to take down the Trojans of Southern Cal in the 2023 Holiday Bowl and new players can keep the holiday vibes going by betting on the game with our Kentucky sportsbook welcome bonuses before kickoff in San Diego.
Louisville vs. USC Holiday Bowl odds preview
Since opening as an eight-point favorite, Louisville finds itself now favored by a touchdown on most Kentucky sportsbooks with the over/under total anywhere from 58 to 59 points. Bowl game lines are increasingly volatile because of the number of players who opt out of playing or enter the transfer portal.
The Cardinals will be without two of their top offensive threats in lead running back Jawhar Jordan and top wide receiver Jamari Thrash, who are each forgoing the Holiday Bowl to prep for the NFL Draft. Starting quarterback Jack Plummer will be there, though, after throwing for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2023.
After starting the season 6-0, the Trojans fell apart on defense and lost five of their last six regular-season games. The Trojans defense ranked 124 out of 133 teams in points allowed and almost 20 players have opted out.
2022 Heisman Trophy-winning QB Caleb Williams won’t play, nor will Trojans back-up quarterback Malachi Nelson, who entered the transfer portal. The Trojans will turn to redshirt sophomore Miller Moss at quarterback. Moss played in three games this season on mop-up duty and will be the only scholarship QB available for USC on Wednesday night.
The Holiday Bowl has produced some epic college football games over the years. USC has played in three in the last 10 years and is 1-2. This is the first meeting between the Cardinals and Trojans. Louisville is 12-12 all-time in bowl games.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT Wednesday with ESPN having the broadcast from PetCo Park.
Louisville vs. USC best bet and odds: Over 58.5 (-110 or better)
USC was 9-3 over/under this season while the Cardinals went 6-6-1. This is a big number, but Southern Cal hasn’t stopped many teams this season. Throw in the fact that some of their best defensive players have opted out, and Louisville should score plenty of points.
Meanwhile, even with a third-string QB behind center, the Trojans still have some offensive weapons including top wide receiver Tahj Washington, who committed to the NFL Draft but is still going to play.
The last four Holiday Bowls have gone over 50 points. These are two teams with not much to play for, expect them to come out firing.
Louisville vs. USC best bet and odds: Tahj Washington TD scorer (+120 or better)
Washington is the best offensive player left on the field for both teams. The senior from Memphis had four 100-yard games this season and leads the Trojans with 963 receiving yards.
Granted, he’s only scored one touchdown since Oct. 1 (he had six this season), but the Trojans won’t have standout WR Brenden Rice, who scored 12 touchdowns receiving, or running back MarShawn Lloyd. This means Washington will be Option No. 1 in the passing game for USC. Expect him to score.
Louisville vs. USC Holiday Bowl odds: How to claim a Kentucky sports betting bonus code and best promotions
Kentucky residents can put a legal bet down on the Cardinals by following these simple steps:
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Once you’re in, Kentucky sportsbooks have a wide range of ongoing promotions and incentives to keep you winning big in 2024 like:
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