Minnesota Golden Gophers (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS) vs. USC Trojans (0-0 SU, 0-0 ATS), 3:30 p.m. EST, College Football Week 1, Saturday, September 3, 2011, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
by Scotty L of Predictem.com
Betting Odds: Minnesota Golden Gophers +20.5/USC Trojans -20.5
Over/Under: 50.5
Yes! There are still online sportsbooks that can get your credit card to work for deposits! Check out BetOnline where you can scoop up a nice 25% bonus too!
On Saturday, September 3, the Minnesota Golden Gophers travel to SoCal to take on the USC Trojans, as each team opens their 2011 regular season. With an 8-5 record last year and a 17-9 mark over the past two campaigns, USC has been in a bit of a swoon by their standards. The Golden Gophers of Minnesota, however, can only dream of such a ledger. With a 3-9 record last year, they will need a major turnaround to avoid the cellar of the Big Ten Legends Division.
Even teams like Minnesota can be optimistic at the beginning of a season. They very well may turn out to be a bad team, but that identity has not set in yet. In fact, they won their last two games of the year to end the season with a good headspace—victories over Illinois and Iowa in a big upset. The common perception is that they will struggle mightily, but Minnesota might be able to build on some positive momentum and surprise some people.
It will be difficult against a home Trojans team. Lane Kiffin is in his 2nd season as head coach and he looks to return USC to its high-flying offensive glory days of the recent past. If successful, he will need to be less reliant on the run than in prior standout USC seasons. Nevertheless, returning starting QB Matt Barkley figures to improve with a great cast of playmakers. The offensive line only returns two starters, so the new unit will need to mesh early. If so, expect a season of shootouts from this offense.
Stellar Trojan freshman WR Robert Woods looks to have a big year. Some rising young talent at that position could also help. Returning tailback Mark Tyler (10 TDs in 2010) looks to take some pressure off Barkley and his young pass-catching crew. A slew of returning players also look to anchor the Trojans defense. Defensive end Nick Perry and an experienced front line look to cause some problems for opposing quarterbacks. The linebacking crew, with returning Chris Galippo and Devon Kennard, will need to step it up to lend more balance to a defensive squad that can use a little improvement if USC hopes to return to the national picture.
Minnesota began last season 1-9 before winning their final two games, so they are obviously looking to avoid such a bad start. New head coach Jerry Kill has seen success at Southern and Northern Illinois. As good as he is, growing pains are expected. MarQueis Gray is a converted wide receiver looking to make his mark at quarterback. His ability to adapt to the position will largely affect this team’s chances this season. Until we see Gray tested, we really don’t know how effective he will be. Gray will have some weapons at his disposal, including tailback Duane Bennett. With Gray looking to use his legs, he and Bennett could provide a nice 1-2 punch in the running game. In all 3 of their wins last year, their rush was excellent. It’s especially important for this team to run the ball well.
Their defense is a major problem. They face the double-edged sword of returning 9 players, but ones who mostly failed to establish a respectable “D” in 2010. They gave up an average of 33 points a game. More alarming, perhaps, is that they amassed an anemic 9 sacks all season. That lack of pressure will not bode well in the Coliseum against Barkley. Without the heat being applied, he could conceivably have a gigantic game. If Minnesota has any hopes of being competitive in this game, those returning starters will all need to elevate their form significantly from last season.
It’s too early to know for certain, but the Trojans could be awfully tough. Their defense might prove to be porous, but Matt Barkley and Company should be able to come out on the sunny side of most of their shootouts. Expect some high-scoring games this season from the Trojans. The Golden Gophers are also moving in the right direction. Their head coach is a proven winner and he has some good athletes with which to work. It will be a baptism-by-fire, as they would surely appreciate an easier first week test than a road game at USC.
Scotty L’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: USC beat Minnesota 32-21 on the road last year to cover the 10.5-point spread. Now they are at home and laying twice as many points. A potential Minnesota backer is really taking a leap of faith, however. What the team’s form will be is pretty much a mystery and there is no reason to rule out a sound beating at the hands of USC. It’s just that USC never seems to perform consistently well in the role of a big favorite. In their last ten games as a favorite of 10.5 or more, they are 3-7.
While I wouldn’t find much solace in that statistic and Minnesota is very iffy, they might be able to make enough big plays against a Trojan defense that isn’t quite clicking yet to keep it within 20.5. Take Minnesota plus 20.5 points.
Editor's Picks - Each weekend our very own in-house All-American Editor makes his NCAA point spread predictions in an attempt to force fumbles, sack and intercept your bookie!
Expert Picks - Free premium college foots plays against the spread from expert handicappers from around the web from week 1 through the National Championship.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We sort through it all and find out which University is getting "too many points" this week. If there was a Heisman Trophy for picking underdogs, we'd be a frontrunner. Expect a 57%+ winning percentage with these picks as we've got a keen ear for loud barking dogs.
Favorite of the Week Pick - Giving points means we start the game down. We're not a real big fan of betting college football favorites as it's similar to trading field goals for touchdowns but stick with us as we buck the odds each week, selecting the favored team with the best chance of covering the spread.
Over/Under of the Week - Expect great value from this pick each week as we've cashed in big on betting over/unders over the years.
Line Movement - NCAA football lines open early in the week and often times move up or down based on wagering activity, injuries to key players and weather. We decipher whether it's square or wiseguy action and predict the point spread winner based on value.
College Football Consensus Picks - We assess the public perception each week and let them pick the winners for us as we fade their selections which provides us with many trips into our bookies endzone.
Computer Picks - We enter them into the computer and the machine makes it's picks. This is a great guide especially when betting totals! These are available after the first few weeks of the season.
Trends - Despite what you have been told or read on tout sites, the trend ain't your friend. We however turn the tables and fade the almighty trend for what should be some great profits over time.
2011 College Football Predictions - Badger breaks down the top teams and lists their odds to win the 2012 BCS Championship as well. At the end he gives his pick on who thinks will win the 2012 BCS National Championship game.
2011 Heisman Trophy Predictions - The trophy is up for grabs with Cam Newton leaving for the NFL. This year's list of "Heisman Hopefuls" is a pretty balanced list and the award is truly up for grabs. Stanford Quarterback Andrew Luck is the favorite at +450 with Oklahoma Sooners QB Landry Jones not far behind at +650. Check out Jay's predictions (with analysis) to win the coveted trophy this season.
2012 BCS Championship Predictions - College football handicapper Jay Horne gives his picks on who he thinks will win the 2012 Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship.
Intertops - Boasts the highest credit card acceptance rate on the internet! You also get a free $20 bet on your first deposit and their loyalty program is AWESOME as it gives you continuous bonuses as your betting handle reaches certain levels!
5Dimes - 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Reduced juice betting odds! Buy up to 15 points! Most props on the web!
SBG Global - Best parlay odds in the industry! Get paid 12-1 on 4-team parlays!
Heisman Trophy Betting Odds - Andrew Luck, Landry Jones, LaMichael James or ? You make the call!
Odds to Win the 2012 BCS Championship - The Oklahoma Sooners are favored to win at 4.5 to 1 but will get a run from Bama (+550), LSU (+1200) and Oregon (+1400). Check out your school's odds here!
Heisman Trophy Winners - A full list of college football quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers who have made history on the field and won the prestigious award.
The Spread - Offers scores, odds, free game predictions, current news and more!
