Cal Golden Bears (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) vs. No. 13 USC Trojans (2-1 SU, 0-3 ATS)
College Football Week 4
Date/Time: September 22, 2012. 6:00 p.m. EST
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Stadium
TV: NBC
by Wilson, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Cal +15.5/USC -15.5
Over/Under Total: 57
The USC Trojans will host the California Golden Bears
this weekend in Los Angeles in what will be the 100th meeting between the
two programs. The Trojans have won the last eight in a row against the Golden
Bears who have only averaged 10 points per game during that run. The Trojans
are looking to bounce back after being shut down by Stanford during the
last 40 plus minutes of last weeks contest. On the other side, Cal is also
looking to recover a W after dropping to No. 12 Ohio State on a last minute
bomb-a-rooski that gave the Buckeyes the win.
Heisman Trophy candidate Matt Barkley will guide the University of Southern California as he approaches the all-time touchdown pass record as well as the records for Trojans passing and total offensive yards. Barkley will likely hookup with star wide receiver Robert Woods who is joined by standout WR Marqise Lee, both are in the top 25 for receiving yards, all-purpose yards and scoring. The Trojan backfield is stacked with two 1000 yard rushers from last year in tailback Curtis McNeal and Penn State crossover Silas Redd.
USCs defense has already forced 8 turnovers. They are led by safety TJ McDonald and CB Nickell Robey. Both Robey and McDonald are Thorpe Award Candidates. Securing the middle are All-American LBs Dion Bailey and Hayes Pullard. Bailey already has three interceptions this season. USC will play tough defense both against the pass and the run especially at home with the adrenalin rush of the 12th man if you will.
California gave Ohio State all they could handle but came up short on the last series. Cal QB Zach Maynard hopes to get revenge after suffering a 30-9 loss at home last year to the men of Troy. Maynards help will come from backfield duo Isi Sofele (TB) and RB C.J. Anderson. WR Keenan Allen is an All-Pac 12 first teamer and ranked as one of the countrys top punt returners and also in receptions. The Golden Bears other offensive weapon is true freshman, WR Chris Harper who has 15 receptions through the first three games.
The Cal defense is led by ILBs Robert Mullins and J.P. Hurrell. Hurrell is ranked 18th in the nation for the most sacks. USC boasts a strong running game as usual but they may have to work for yardage on the ground against this scrappy Golden Bears defense.
The Vegas books and offshore casinos are giving USC the nod to the tune of two TDs plus some, but I like the Golden Bears this week to play gritty defense and stick around all the way until the last series. The Trojans will need a playmaker to step up in this game. California at least covers the spread.
Wilsons Pick to Cover the Point Spread: USC wins but they cant cover the spread. Take California to cover. Luck to ya.
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