NCAA Football Pac-10 Battle – USC vs. California

Both USC and California are trying to get respect back from the pollsters, though USC stands to have a much easier time given their reputation. However, Cal has been dominated by USC in the last ten games, going 3-7 SU against the Trojans. But there’s no better way to climb out of the hole after a lopsided loss to Oregon than by spoiling the party for USC.

The news circulating around the Trojans has centered on Stafon Johnson, who dropped a barbell on his neck in the weight room and is in stable condition, though he can’t speak. Johnson’s freaky injury leaves USC without a short yardage back, and Stafon was the team’s leading rusher last season. This year he has 157-yards and 5 touchdowns. That means a bigger load for Joe McKnight who has averaged 7.5 yards per carry and notched four scores.

Across the field stands Heisman hopeful Jahvid Best, who is coming off the worst game of his year against Oregon. With just 55-yards on 16 attempts, Best needs a bounce back game to keep his trophy hopes alive. He is still the best rusher in the Pac-10, so finding a way to contain him will be priority one for the Trojans. Problem is, USC has allowed 167.5 yards on the ground per game.

USC Trojans (3-1) vs. California Golden Gears (3-1)

Saturday, October 3 rd — Memorial Stadium, Berkeley — 8:00pm EST

NCAAF Betting Line: USC -5 (47.5)

The Trojans’ quarterback Matt Barkley returned to form last week, throwing for 247-yards and two touchdowns leading a well balanced attack against Washington State. Without Johnson, however, USC loses a big part of its redzone attack and the pressure will be on Barkley to perform in Berkeley.

Still I’m not exited about USC’s chances in this one. Kevin Riley, the California quarterback who was benched last week after going for just123-yards on 31 attempts, is out for revenge along with Best. They’ll show much more polish after getting a wake up call last week against Oregon, and while USC has dominated the series between the two school, it’s going to be Cal that covers in this one. Cal and USC have a split record of 3-3 ATS in their past 6 meetings. Look for the tip to scale as USC’s road record of 0-5 ATS away from home continues.

Furious Free Pick: Cal +4 (UNDER)