No. 6 USC Trojans -16 (5-1) 4-2 ATS, 2-4 O/U/P at Arizona Wildcats +16 (5-2) 5-2 ATS, 4-3 O/U Saturday, October 25 Arizona Stadium (57,400) Tucson, Arizona 10:15 p.m. EST
By Wilson of Predictem.com
The Arizona Wildcats are in a four-way tie for first place in the PAC-10! Wildcats head coach Mike Stoops said “We are playing for first place next week, and that’s a position we haven’t been (in) in a long time.” Arizona shares the PAC-10’s top spot with Oregon State, Oregon, and USC. The PAC-10 conference has been one surprise after another as any team can be beaten depending on the day. No. 6 USC will try to continue their most recent storm of crushing and blowing away opponents. Arizona may be up for the challenge as they upset the California Bears last week in convincing fashion 42-27. What will the desert battle produce, happy Cats or unbreakable Trojans?
Arizona’s freshman running back Keola Antolin, who had only rushed for a total of 66 yards all season, gained 149 yards on 21 carries and 3 touchdowns. Antolin’s longest run of the day was a 59 yard sprint. California was not prepared to defend as they claimed to never have seen Antolin on film. Secret weapon? You can bet USC will plan to stop Antolin.
Wildcat QB Willie Tuitama was 16-of-27 for 225 yards, 2 TD’s and 1 interception. The offense is averaging 40 points per game and allowing 18.1 to their opponents. The Wildcat’s win over Cal launched them into the four-way tie that will be decided further in Tucson this Saturday night.
Arizona’s defense was solid most of the day as they shut down Cal’s offensive attack by showing several different looks.
Southern California is definitely sending a message that they are not taking any teams for granted. After the upset loss to Oregon State a few weeks back, the Trojans have played at an entire higher level than any of their opponents. USC’s last two contests have been shutouts, 28-0 over the ASU Sun Devils and 69-0 over the Washington State Cougars.
The Trojan’s defense is currently only giving up 7.8 point per game to their opponents. That number alone is enough to rattle any offensive coordinator into a mind sweep of “what plays will work” type of preparation.
On the other side of the ball, USC is averaging 41.5 points per game. QB Mark Sanchez is turning out to be, yet, another classic USC QB of late as he just set a school record last week for the most touchdowns by a Trojan QB in one half (5). Sanchez finished the day with 253 yards on 15-of-20 passing and 5 TD’s.
Both Trojan running backs Stafon Johnson and Broderick Green rushed for over 100 yards each as USC went on to score ten touchdowns on the day. In fact, their only error was a blocked PAT.
This game is for first place in the PAC-10, and both of these teams will fight for that top spot, but I really can’t see the Wildcats slowing down USC. The Trojans have become essentially an NFL-like squad playing as men against young boys; boys who should hang out after the game in hopes of scoring a couple of autographs.
Check out all of our free football picks for your favorite NCAA football and NFL teams. Make your weekend a winner by placing your bets at Sportbet as they will have the most updated lines as well as reduced juice and free half points on certain days of the week.
Wilson’s Pick: Oregon State is to blame for USC’s wave of destruction! USC will not lose another game ever! Ok, at least not the rest of this season. I like USC to cover the 16 and win, pulling away in the second half.
Editor's Picks - Each week our in house pro's tackle the week's card and make predictions on the week's games ATS! Best bets, top plays, premium selections, etc. FREE!
Expert NFL Picks - Free premium plays from the "real" expert football handicappers from around the web. Don't fall for second rate picks from ESPN, the NFL Network, Hank Goldberg or the screaming touts on TV.
Underdog of the Week Pick - We forecast the loudest barking dog of the week. Expect a 60% winning percentage with these plays.
Favorite of the Week Play - We examine "the chalk" and determine the safest bet in which who you should lay the points with. Forecasting winning favorites long term isn't easy, but we've had some pretty good luck with it over the years.
The Armchair Quarterback Predictions - ACQ makes an appearance at Predictem to give out his much coveted troika of free weekly NFL picks. Put your helmet on and tackle your bookie with these sick picks. He is simply FLAT NASTY!
Line Movement Plays - We report all the major line moves from the gridiron and forecast whether it's public money or sharp action causing the move.
NFL Consensus Picks - See what the general public is betting on. We use this info to fade the public to the tune of big profits over the course of the season.
NFL Trends - Don't ever let anybody tell you that the trend is your friend. These picks make great fades which is exactly what we do with them.
Monday Night Football Picks - The ultimate bailout play. Our MNF picks are golden and have hit 62% or better 3 out of the past 4 years. (Last season was a disaster!) Did we mention that their FREE?
Superbowl Predictions - Our take before the season on who we think will win Superbowl XLVI. We'll update with a final pick based on the actual remaining teams a week prior to the big game at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 5th, 2012.
Super Bowl Picks - Everybody here in the Predictem office takes their best preseason shot at predicting the winner Superbowl 46. Pride is on the line here! Oh, and LOOT too! Picks will be updated a 2nd and final time two weeks before the Super Bowl plays.
Free UFL Picks - Point spread predictions for the United Football League each week of their season (starting in October).
5Dimes - Bet your NFL football picks at -105 odds every day of the week! 15 team parlays! 20 point teasers! Pleasers and huge point buying opportunities as well!
Intertops - Tired of deposit hassles? Bet on football using your credit card at a sportsbook where your Visa CAN and WILL work for deposits!
SBG Global - Best parlays odds online! Get paid 12-1 on 4 team parlays! Best at accepting credit cards for deposits too!
Football Bets - We explain all the different types of wagers that you can place on an NFL game and give advice on which ones good and which are sucker bets. We also explore the value of betting at reduce odds.
Superbowl Betting - We explain all the different types of wagers you can making including point spread bets, totals, moneylines and prop bets.
Statless NFL Handicapping - The quick, easy way and yes, it's effective!
Betting NFL Underdogs - It's the first thing you should consider every Sunday. We explain why.
Choosing an Online Sportsbook - We talk about things to consider before you commit to play at one.
Famous Football Quotes - From the inspirational to the greatest touchdown calls of all time. We've got them!
Pro Football Hall of Fame - A full list of NFL players who have been inducted into the NFL HOF.
The Spread - Offers free NFL football predictions, matchups, stats including both offensive and defensive and more!
Fantasy Football Sites - Get recommendations on where to find weekly updated player news, depth charts and legit websites that offer the best stat and record tracking for your fantasy football league.