USC TROJANS -3
Every year it is seemingly the same story with USC, as the Trojans start out the year strong, lose a Pac-10 road game, then roll the rest of the season but just miss the national title game, settling for the Rose Bowl. Well ? it?s going to happen again and it?s well under way.
USC started strong with a big road win at Ohio State. Then the Trojans got their one Pac-10 road loss out of the way early when they lost the conference opener at Washington. Since then they have gone on to demolish Cal, win at Notre Dame and hold off Oregon State. So with them already having suffered that road loss, I?m loving them to beat Oregon today at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.
The Trojans aren?t having any trouble putting points on the board, it?s been the defense that has disappointed the last two weeks. Strange, considering the defense didn?t allow more than 16 points in a game over the first five weeks. Freshman QB Matt Barkley threw for 202 yards and two TDs last week, but like a freshman will do, he tossed two INTs that kept Oregon State in the game as the Trojans won 42-36, but came up short as a 21-point home favorite. The defense gave up 482 total yards and you know that unit got it handed to them during the week and won?t come out as weak tonight. Barkley has thrown for 1,540 yards this season with seven TDs and five INTs. USC has won four of the last five against Oregon (SU and ATS), including a 44-10 romp last year as 16-point favorites. Since 2002, the Trojans have won two of three (SU and ATS) inside Autzen Stadium, blowing the Ducks out in 2002 and 2005 before getting upset there in 2007. The Trojans are 5-1 ATS in the last six meetings and the favorite is on a 5-0 ATS run in this rivalry. USC knows it cannot afford to lose another game. Look for their defense to come to play today, pick off a few passes and watch as this one ends up in a 34-21 victory for USC.
:toast:
Duke is looking good so far....:toast:
Temple Too..:toast:
