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USC Trojans vs. Cal Golden Bears: CFB Pick / Preview

Poolside rants weighs in with some picks for Saturday’s football action…college style. University of Southern California and the California Golden Bears resume pleasantries this weekend, we preview and pick this PAC 10 conference football matchup…

College Football Betting – USC/California Preview & Pick

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Sportsbook players have a tough decision in NCAA football this week when USC visits California to resume an old state rivalry. Both teams should play with fire this week – USC on behalf of critically injured Stafon Johnson and Cal after taking an embarrassing beating in Oregon last week – but something has to give.

(7) USC Trojans vs (24) California Golden Bears

Saturday, October 3, 8:00 p.m. ET
Southern Cal: 3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS
California: 3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS
College football odds favorite: Trojans -5

No one likes to accentuate the negative, but bettors have to wonder how USC’s offense will respond on the road with Johnson out. At least for one game, the Trojans should survive without him. He wasn’t the feature back in the first place, instead getting the rock in short-yardage situations and leading the team in rushing touchdowns with five. Joe McKnight is still the main guy and he’s capable of shouldering a full workload.

USC quarterback Matt Barkley has been solid thus far, throwing just one interception in four games and averaging 225 yards per contest. He’ll have a new challenge this week, however, as the Trojans may take to the air more than normal. Then again, McKnight is probably hungry for the rock after seeing Oregon explode for 236 rushing yards and two scores on the ground in last weeks’ 41-3 drubbing.

Cal may allow its share of points but should score plenty too. Jahvid Best is gunning for sleeper Heisman consideration; in four games, he’s averaging 6.8 yards per carry and 116.8 rushing yards per game. He’s scored nine total touchdowns including five in one game against Minnesota. Kevin Riley has played a nice caretaker role, throwing for five scores with zero picks.

As strong as Cal’s offense looks, USC’s defense is formidable. The Trojans lead the country with 18 sacks and haven’t allowed more than 16 points in a game this season. Since the Trojan offense is more likely to break the Golden Bear defense than the Golden Bear offense is to break the Trojan defense (say that five times fast), USC should come out on top and win a close contest. Stick with the betting software projection and pick USC to cover as the Trojans rally around their fallen teammate Johnson.

Sports bet online pick: USC -5

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Articles on CappersPicks.com are written by Q (the Head Honcho) at Cappers Picks or by our resident "in house" handicapper Razor Ray Monohan! Enjoy the free picks folks! "Pad that bankroll one day at a time!"

One reply on “USC Trojans vs. Cal Golden Bears: CFB Pick / Preview”

Cal was completely embarrassed last week against Oregon. Were they looking ahead to this game or are they just not as good as we thought?

Another question is how will USC respond to the tragic injury to Stafon Johnson. Fortunately it appears he will make a full recovery, but his absense will have an impact.

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