Utah State Aggies (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS) vs. USC Trojans (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)
College Football Week 4
Date and Time: Saturday, September 21, 3:30pm
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
TV: ABC/ESPN2
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: USU +7/USC -7
Over/Under Total: 51.5
Remember about 400 days ago when the USC Trojans were
preseason number one? Remember when Matt Barkley came back to win a Heisman
and lead the Trojans to a national title? It seems like so long ago, but
it really wasn’t. USC did start last season as the top ranked team in all
of college football, only to crash and burn and eventually lose to Georgia
Tech in the Sun Bowl. Well, this season hasn’t started any better. The Trojans
will be hosting the Aggies of Utah State in hopes of getting
themselves back on the winning track. Utah State comes in as 7 point ‘dogs,
but they only have one goal in mind…upset. Can they do it? We will find
out soon.
I admittedly am not a big Pac-12 guy, but I know enough to tell you that this USC team is in big trouble. Lane Kiffin is on the hot seat, while the offense struggles in a very bad way. After three games, USC ranks 104th in the nation passing, and just 86th scoring. What is truly frightening is that they are ranked so low nationally, and they haven’t even faced a team ranked in the top 60 of the FBS. The Trojans did look somewhat impressive this past weekend when they beat Boston College by a score of 35-7, the only problem is that everyone that plays Boston College now days looks impressive.
Many of the USC faithful have already given up on this season and want an entirely new coaching staff. In my opinion, things are looking worse for USC than they are for Texas right now, and Texas is in a mess too…ask Mack Brown. However, this isn’t about the Horns, its about the Trojans. If I were a player, coach, or fan of USC, I would take a 7 point spread as a slap in the face. Any big time college program with a pulse would be favored by at least two scores over Utah State. Will USC use this motivation and blow out the Aggies, or will Lane Kiffin add another notch under his belt as a complete loser?
Utah State plays in the Mountain West Conference, and is currently 1-0 in conference play and 2-1 overall. Their only loss has come to in-state rival, Utah, and that game was actually competitive with the Aggies only losing by 4 points (30-26). Since that opening week loss, Utah State has “opened a can” on Weber State and Air Force. Weber State fell victim 70-6 while the boys from the Air Force Academy were dropped 56-20. This Utah State team isn’t that bad, and their program has become slightly more respectable on the national level. Remember, just two seasons ago, they were an onside kick recovery away from knocking off defending national champ, Auburn.
STOP WASTING MONEY! STOP BETTING
ON GAMES AT -110 ODDS; START LAYING ONLY -105 AT 5DIMES
A win at USC really doesn’t seem like it would be that big of an upset. Utah State is ranked 8th in the nation in scoring, 15th in passing, and also sits in the top 40 in rushing yards as well. This is not a bad team. They have a simple task at hand versus USC; score. If this game becomes a shootout, I actually have to lean more in favor of Utah State than USC. That sounds insane to say, but its true.
Bob’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I’m going be to straight up with you on this, USC is awful. I wouldn’t be shocked if they lost his game by 2 scores. I don’t like their coaching, their offense, and honestly, their overall demeanor. This team is bad and will probably lose at least 3-4 more games on this season…if not more. I think Utah State comes into L.A. and makes a statement. Look for a tight, hard fought game. USC may win in the end, but it will be Utah State winning on the Vegas board. Take the Aggies and the points. UTAH STATE AGGIES +7
Additional College Football Betting Previews
