Caleb Williams won't be playing in this game along with some other key players on the Trojans opting out for the portal and the NFL draft. The coaching staff is still in place including Lincoln Riley who has taken a lot of heat for the season they had and their recruiting program. Riley has a lot to prove to the fans and disenchanted players and recruits that are considering the program. This game does matter to the school despite what the drama enfolding might say and that is why with their talented back up players, this team will be able to hang in this game and win and cover it. Yes, Louisville had a stellar season under coach Brohm who turned this program around quickly with exciting results. This team was great on both sides of the ball but they enter this bowl game without two key pieces in RB Jawhar Jordon and WR Jamari Thrash. It's similar to Mahomes not having Kelce or his other weapons to throw to or give the ball to. They still face a Trojan's team that has elite talented players, and even the back up players who are left still have a higher skill level. The motivation is there on both sides and that is why taking the points with the underdog is where the value lies. USC is still a top 25 school and will have the talent to be competitive in this game.

Louisville is 2-5 ATS this season as a favorite of 3.5 to 10 points. Louisville are 0-3 ATS this season playing on a neutral field.

Best bet: take the points with USC.