USC Trojans (0-0, 0-0 ATS) vs. Hawaii Warriors (0-0, 0-0 ATS), Week 1 College Football, Aloha Stadium (Synthetic Turf) Honolulu Hawaii, Thursday, September 2nd, 11:00 PM Eastern, ESPN Network
By Jeff Hochman of JHSportsline.com
Point Spread:USC Trojans -21/Hawaii Warriors +21
Over/Under: 53
Line Movement: USC opened at -18 with an over/under of 51
Bet the USC/Hawaii game using your checking account and to get a 100% bonus (Deposit $116 and get $116 FREE!) at one of the web's oldest and most trusted online sportsbooks: Sportsinteraction.
The Trojans tied for fifth in the league last season with a 5-4 record. That was the worst performance of the decade by former head coach Pete Carroll. And they return 13 starters, the second-lowest figure in the conference. There does seem to be a black cloud over the program with all of the negative publicity this Spring and Summer. It's not all bad news for USC as they have lots of talent on both sides of the ball.
The Trojans still have the best collection of recruits in the Pac-10, and sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley could be ready to make a big jump in his second season as the starter. Potential stars are scattered throughout the roster with the likes of running back Allen Bradford, freshman running back Dillon Baxter, wide receiver Ronald Johnson, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey and cornerback Shareece Wright. The offensive line returns three starters led by Center Kristofer O'Dowd. The defense was sub-par last season giving up 55, 47, and 36 points all against Pac-10 foes. They are still young on the stop side especially in the secondary but will improve as the season progresses.
Since the Western Athletic Conference does not stage a conference championship game, Hawaii plays the maximum 13 games each season, eight games within its conference and five outside of it. Greg McMackin enters his second season as the Warriors' head coach and will look to improve on their 6-7 (3-5 WAC) last season. They started fast going 2-0 with wins over Central Arkansas and Washington State but fell apart losing their next six games in a row. The Warriors then won their next four straight games before getting blown-out in the Hawaii Bowl, losing 51-10 to Wisconsin as big underdogs.
Hawaii averaged less than 25 points last year which was the first time that happened for the pass-happy offense in ten years. A contributing factor had to be wide receiver Rodney Bradley suffering a season-ending injury in the sixth game of the season. He was ranked 3rd in the nation at 18.6 yards per catch. Rodney is 100% healthy along with quarterback Bryant Moniz, who threw for 2,396 yards and 14 TD's in only eight games. The offensive line lost four starters, the most important of whom were three-time ALL-WAC Center John Estes and second-team ALL-WAC tackle Aaron Kia. The one bright spot will be Senior running back Alex Gordon who added almost 25 pounds and should have a breakout season.
Last season Hawaii couldn't stop the run (107th nationally) and couldn't stop the pass (97th in pass defense). That's not a good a combo so a major overhaul took place in the off-season. The defensive line is bigger and more athletic than last year. Kaniela Tuipuloyu, Kamalu Umu, and Paipai Falemalu will help this defensive line improve a lot this season. What doesn't need help is the secondary. The Warriors have a very experienced secondary returning four starters and all three back-ups. Mana Silva who had six interceptions to lead the conference returns and he will be playing on Sunday's in the near future.
Jeff's Pick to Cover the Spread: Being that this is the first game of the season and both head coaches have extra time to prepare I can only back the home dog. I lean to Hawaii +21!
Where are you betting your college football games this season? Does your online bookie offer progressive parlays where you can lose some of your picks and still get paid out? If not, you should check out Sportsbook!
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!
