Last weekend was heartbreaking for Iowa players, coaches, and fans. The Hawkeyes battled for 60 minutes but came up just short in an 18-16 loss to Oregon. With the loss, Iowa saw its College Football Playoff hopes end and extended its losing streak against ranked opponents to 12 games.
While the playoff seems to be off the table, Iowa has a chance to end that ranked opponent losing streak this Saturday. The Hawkeyes will make the cross-country trip to Los Angeles for a matchup with the 17th-ranked USC Trojans.
Iowa has traditionally struggled playing on the West Coast, and they’ll need to overcome those demons if they want to win this game and break the streak against ranked teams. The 7-2 Trojans are playing some really good football at the moment and will present a huge test for the Hawkeyes.
### Expert Predictions: Iowa vs. USC
**College Football News: USC 27, Iowa 20**
College Football News is backing the home team to win this game. Here’s more from Pete Fiutak:
“Oregon ran for 261 yards and averaged over seven yards per carry last week against the Hawkeyes. The Iowa style sort of travels, but wins over Wisconsin and Rutgers are nothing compared to going to USC and dealing with this high-powered attack. The Trojans will bring out the Hawkeye offensive pop — Mark Gronowski will throw a bit more, but the pace will get too fast. USC will pass a key test before the showdown at Oregon.”
**CBS Sports**
CBS had nine experts make their picks for this game. Four of the experts picked Iowa to cover the -6.5 point spread, with three of those experts picking the Hawkeyes to win the game straight up.
**Athlon Sports**
Athlon Sports had three experts weigh in, and all three picked USC to take home the victory.
**Bleacher Report: USC 27, Iowa 16**
Bleacher Report is backing the Trojans at home. Here’s what David Keny had to say:
“After being so painfully close to upsetting Oregon, can Iowa shake the disappointment on the road? That seems like a tough ask, even as USC presents a ‘spoiler’ opportunity for the Hawkeyes once again. USC is perfect at home in 2025.”
**Sporting News**
Sporting News is taking USC to win and cover the spread. Bill Bender adds:
“Iowa is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Oregon. Can the Hawkeyes keep up on the road against USC’s high-powered offense that leads the Big Ten with 503.2 yards per game? USC is 4-1 ATS at home this season, and that time-zone difference will hit here.”
**The New York Times**
The Times is picking the Hawkeyes to pull the upset in overtime, though they did not provide a specific score prediction.
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Will Iowa overcome its struggles on the West Coast and extend USC’s first home loss of the season? Fans will be watching closely as these two programs face off in a crucial late-season matchup.
*Contact: @zach_hiney*
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/iowa-football-vs-usc-expert-130911008.html