No. 4 USC Trojans (6-1) 2-5 ATS, 3-4 O/U at No. 10 Oregon Ducks (6-1) 5-2 ATS, 4-3 O/U Saturday October 31, 2009 Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Oregon 8:00 p.m. EST TV: FSN
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: USC -3/Oregon +3
Over/Under: 47
The USC Trojans will travel to the Pacific Northwest this weekend to take on the high flying Oregon Ducks in one of the loudest stadiums in all of college football (Autzen). The Trojans managed to hold off the Oregon State Beavers in LA last weekend 42-36, and now they get to play the other Oregon school who just happens to be ranked No. 10 in the country.
The Ducks are looking forward to hosting the Trojans in what should be a Pac-10 showdown for a potential conference title and possibly a shot at the roses. Oregon has been playing lights out lately as they destroyed the Washington Huskies last Saturday in a 43-19 pounding in Seattle.
Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli returned from a knee injury to lead the Ducks over the Huskies. Masoli was 14 of 22 for 157 yards and 1 touchdown. LaMichael James had a huge game with 15 carries for 154 yards and 2 TDs.
But it was a balanced attack for the Ducks as their defense and special teams stepped up again blocking punts, faking field goals, and recording a couple of interceptions. Oregons special teams has been fantastic lately and they could play a major role in the game against USC. The Ducks defense should take away USCs passing game and put a lot of pressure on Trojan QB Matt Barkely.
Barkley is continuing to impress his coaches and teammates along with most of the college football world with his ability to run a team as if hes been there for four years. Barkley threw for 15 of 25 for 202 yards and 2 touchdowns as well as 2 picks. Trojans running back Allen Bradford rushed for 147 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries versus OSU.
The Trojans have just one loss in conference play which came at the hands of the Washington Huskies 16-13. The Ducks are 4-0 in the Pac-10 for the first time since 2000.
USC is 3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS, and 1-3 O/U on the road this season. Oregon is 4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS, 3-1 O/U at home.
The line on this game opened at Oregon +3.5 which is the current line at the Las Vegas Hilton. Most offshore casinos have Oregon at +3. There has not been a total posted for this game, so check the online sportsbooks for updates.
The Trojans are averaging 31.4 points per game and allowing 15.1 to their competition. Oregon can put points on the board as well; they come into this game averaging 34 ppg and giving up 16.7 to the opposition.
USC won this matchup last year in LA 44-10. The over is 7-1-1 in Oregons last 9 home games. Both QBs have a completion rate right at 60 percent, and they both have the ability to make things happen when they need it too. USCs freshman QB Barkely is playing like a seasoned veteran. The Ducks Masoli is back just in time for the biggest game of the year to date.
If both defenses play as well as they are capable of playing this will be a tight game. Oregons running back LaMichael James may have trouble finding room to roam against the Trojans suffocating rush defense. USC is only giving up 79 yards on the ground per game which works out to less than 2.4 yards per carry for their opponents.
The Trojans lead in every head to head category except for points per game. USC will certainly be looking to make a statement on the road by downing the Ducks. There are plenty of potential accolades on the line in this game including BCS status as well as Pac-10 title hopes.
Wilsons Pick: Oregon wins, covers and the media starts taking notice of what could possibly be a scary BCS Bowl opponent for somebody.
