Think the World Series odds are scary to navigate? What about picking the Pac-10 winner? USC and Oregon are both 6-1 and clash Saturday night in what should be a Halloween thriller. It’s natural to assume USC is the better team and can romp, but there’s one big problem; the game is at Oregon. (4) USC Trojans @ (10) Oregon Ducks
Saturday, October 31, 8:00 p.m. ET
Online betting favorite: USC -3
After being talked up as a BCS contender for a while, the Trojans haven’t looked like one in recent weeks. They barely scraped by Oregon State 42-36, almost blowing a lead late in the fourth quarter. However, we could easily chalk up the defensive lag to a loss of focus in a game that seemed like it was over. Against tougher competition, the Trojans should tighten things up.
The Ducks like to run and LaMichael James has been fantastic subbing for suspended LaGarrette Blount. James has four 100-yard effort in his past five games, highlighted by a 154-yard, two-touchdown effort against Boise State. Look for USC to key on him and force the ball into Jeremiah Masoli’s hands. Masoli has done a decent job taking care of the ball and his legs are dangerous but he’s ultimately a caretaker, so USC will hope to expose his limitations.
The Trojans have a tough test on offense facing the No. 19 defense in the nation and playing in front of an Oregon crowd gaining a reputation as one of college football’s best. But their balanced attack may be too much for the Ducks to handle. Matt Barkley still makes the odd freshman mistake but isn’t afraid to take shots downfield. He also has an outstanding rushing attack supporting him – sort of like Mr. Favre has to boost the Vikings’ NFL odds. Joe McKnight is having a solid season and Allen Bradford has filled in admirably for injured Stafon Johnson; it’s thus no surprise that USC is 13th in the country in rushing.
Saturday’s game certainly won’t be easy but the Trojans have the personnel to conquer this tough test. Like the Yankees as baseball picks, the Trojans will prevail in hostile territory.
Pick: Trojans -3
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