Louisville will be without their top RB Jawhar Jordan and top WR Jamari Thrash, but the lineman are still there, defense is still there, and QB Jack Plummer is still there. The funny thing is that USC wasn’t very good with Caleb Williams and the others sitting that including their top rusher and leading TD pass receiver. USC was 3-9 ATS, and Over at 9-3. I’d like to take the Over because the defense is always awful but can I count on USC to score their share? I don’t think so. Louisville to cover.

Lincoln Riley's team had MUCH higher hopes than the Holiday Bowl and considering how many key players have opted out, no wonder USC is getting points. But this is just too many, especially with a slew of talented younger players eager to prove their value to the program. Louisville has been good this season and coach Jeff Brohm is 5-1 in bowls, but I'm expecting the Trojans' motivation to be a key factor. USC 31, Louisville 30.

USC is awful defensively, yes, but Louisville will be without its leading rusher and receiver, who combined for 19 TDs. That receiver, Jamari Thrash, opted out today. But UofL looks in pretty good shape defensively. The Trojans are of course without Caleb Williams along with top RB MarShawn Lloyd and No. 2 WR Brenden Rice, Jerry Rice's kid.