The USC Trojans are looking for a return to the national stage after firing coach Lane Kiffin last year. The Trojans had a few decent seasons during Kiffin’s tenure but were never legitimate national title threats and continually underachieved for a program that recruits well and brings in talent on a yearly basis. Former USC quarterback coach Steve Sarkisian was tapped to fill the position and handle the pressure of returning one of college football’s glamour schools back to NCAA prominence.

Sarkisian played quarterback at BYU and is coming off a stint as the University of Washington’s head coach. The Trojans will again have national title expectations, and another four-loss season for the team would be devastating for everyone involved with the program. Let’s take a closer look at USC’s odds to win the 2015 college football National Championship with predictions and analysis.

USC Odds to Win the 2015 National Championship Story Lines

Sarkisian is expected to employ a fast-paced, up-tempo offense that will be a huge change of pace from the 2013 team that averaged only 29 points per game and was ranked 60th in the nation in points scored. The Trojans will start a solid, if not spectacular, quarterback in Cody Kessler, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

The team will also have talented weapons spread throughout the offense, with the most potent being running back Javorius Allen, who ran for 14 touchdowns last season. He will be receiving Heisman consideration this year. On defense the squad is loaded with talent. However, the big question surrounding the unit is whether or not they can put it all together. Su’a Cravens is expected to be a game-changer in the secondary after grabbing four interceptions last season as a freshman.

USC’s Pac-12 schedule is always a concern for the team as the conference is typically loaded with at least one national title contender and a handful of other excellent squads. The Trojans did dodge a bullet my avoiding Oregon this year, but they will still face their two toughest conference opponents—UCLA and Stanford—on the road this season. USC opens its schedule at home against Fresno State, will go the road the very next game against Stanford, and will close out the year by hosting Notre Dame.

USC 2015 National Championship Odds and Trends

USC is currently receiving the 12th-best national title odds at +3500, according to Sportsbook.ag. Allen is receiving long shot Heisman odds at +4500 and could be a contender for the award if the Trojans start out 2014 on a hot streak. The school is also receiving +450 odds to win the Pac-12. Sportsbook.ag recently added win totals for the Top 35 teams in the nation, and USC’s total was place at 8.5 wins, with the “over” being a favorite at -150.

In 2013 USC went 7-7 ATS with 5-3 home and 2-4 road records. The team also produced at 4-9-1 totals record, while going “under” in six of its eight home games and going 3-3 in its games on the road. Last season USC did not rank in the Top 60 in any major offensive category but ranked in the Top 16 in fewest total yards, rushing yards and points allowed.

USC Odds to Win the 2015 National Championship Picks and Predictions

The Trojans are going to have a difficult time winning the Pac-12, and expecting them to make a national title run under a first-year head coach may be unrealistic. However, there are other great ways to wager on the team. Taking the over on 8.5 wins for the season feels like a solid wager or even expecting the team to improve on last year’s 7-7 ATS record is strong possibility.

USC has a solid defense and will be employing a new offensive system, so wagering on last year’s under trend to continue could also be another great spot to look for. The one bet you probably do not want to make, however, is picking the Trojans to win the 2015 college football National Championship.

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