College Football Odds: USC at Oregon

Written October 29, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz

The #4 Trojans travel to Eugene ready to face the #10 ranked Oregon Ducks in what is the main Pac-10 game of the year and certainly the prime time game of the week. These two programs are the class of their conference with no close third. Freshman phenom quarterback Matt Barkley has been as advertised, his numbers do not do just in explaining how good he has been. Barkley has collected 1,540 passing yards with 7 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. Starting running back Joe McKnight is hands down their most explosive offensive player. His 617 rushing yards are not as impressive as the 6.4 yards per carry average he has with seven touchdowns to boot. USC has plenty of wide receivers that can make plays, however, that unit starts with future NFL player Damian Williams who has 34 catches for 525 yards and 3 TDs. Now, the offense is dynamic, that is for sure, but if the Trojans plan on winning this game then their top flight defense must play its best game all year long. Safety Taylor Mays is one of the best defensive players in the nation and a guy that can set the tone early and often. Head coach Pete Carroll has done a great job this season. While he does have plenty of talent to work with, their are no Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart or Carson Palmer like weapons. The x-factor for the road team will their linebacking core. The defensive front is tremendous as they possess one of the best defensive run statistics in the nation, whether or not the linebackers can stop the run will be another story. According to our latest NCAA football lines for the game, the Trojans are 3 point road favorites at Oregon and the total for the game is set for 47 points.

The Oregon Ducks are 6-1 on the season and sit in prime position here tonight to dethrone the Trojans for top dog in the Pac-10. After their opening night loss at Boise State, followed by starting running back LeGarrette Blount’s despicable actions punching a Boise player in the face which eventually led to his suspension indefinitely, the Ducks are quacking loudly as quarterback Jeremiah Masoli lifted this team up and has carried them on his shoulder. Masoli has put up 905 passing yards with five touchdowns and two interception, he has also rushed for 272 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. An all around threat this guy is and will face his toughest test not only this season, but possibly his career at Oregon tonight going up against a fierce defense. LaMichael James has filled Blount’s shoes nicely rushing for 735 yards with six touchdowns and an average of 6.9 yards per carry. Head coach Chip Kelly has high hopes for his team headed into this weekends showdown game because he has a defense that can go toe to toe with the Trojans. T.J. Ward is a great safety that has been an impact player this season. The x-factor for the home Ducks will be their secondary. That has been the strength of their defense all season long. Losing cornerback Walter Thurmand for the season hurts and you know Pete Carroll will dial up a ton of big plays for this weekend. If Oregon can prevent USC from quick strikes, they will have every chance to win this game and knock the Trojans from the elite spot in the Pac-10. Get serious about college football betting with a $500 match bonus from BetUS.

Haimo’s Hot Notes:

Trojans are 9-4 ATS in their last 13 games following a ATS loss.

Trojans are 5-14 ATS in their last 19 games in October.

Ducks are 8-0 ATS in their last 8 games following a S.U. win.

Ducks are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.

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