Football Betting

NCAA football odds – Trojans heavily favored over Golden Bears

Posted on 11/3/2008 3:18:36 PM By Stan Simmons

NCAA football odds: USC expected to trounce Cal

• WHO: No. 21 California Golden Bears at No. 7 USC Trojans (-17.5)
• WHAT: NCAA football betting
• WHEN: Saturday, November 8 at 8:00 p.m. ET
• WHERE: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA
• KEY STATS: USC has won six of its last 10 meetings with California, including four straight
• PICK: USC

No. 7 USC has been rolling through the Pac-10 towards its 38th conference title and college football odds have favored the Trojans all season. This week’s game at the Coliseum is no different, as the Trojans prepare to host No. 21 California, which is coming off a big win at home against another ranked opponent. However, California vs USC odds say the Trojans will dominate this edition of a bitter state rivalry.

The Golden Bears overcame a sloppy field, a slew of penalties and five turnovers to beat then-No. 24 Oregon 26-16 at home last week. Nate Longshore was 13-of-27 for 136 yards and a touchdown, but that is as good as could be expected in the nasty conditions at Cal’s Memorial Stadium.

The California defense held the Ducks to 4-of-18 on third down and 1-of-5 on fourth down, which made a huge difference. However, the Golden Bears allowed 206 yards on the ground, almost double their average. The California vs USC line could be underestimating the Golden Bears, who played the Trojans close last year.

The Trojans and their No. 1 defense pitched their third shutout in four games with a 56-0 thrashing of Washington at home, holding the Huskies to 184 yards and three turnovers.

Mark Sanchez was 15-of-19 for 167 yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Trojans, who put up 485 yards of offense against the lowly Huskies. C.J. Gable needed only 10 carries to gain 108 yards and score twice for USC, and these California vs USC odds reflect the roll the Trojans are currently on.

BLAKE’S PICK: The California vs USC spread gives a 17.5-point edge to the Trojans, who have won four in a row over their state rivals. The Trojans are ranked 10th in offense and first in defense, so it would be a gutsy call to bet against them.

The Golden Bears can take pride in the fact that they have only lost those four straight games by an average of 13 points and, if they are going to have a betting chance, their No. 23-ranked defense will have to play the game of its life  against the Trojans.

However, USC has won 18 of its last 19 at the Coliseum and the defense is playing the best football in the nation. Bet on the USC Trojans to take firm control of the Pac-10 race with a big win this weekend.

For more betting tips on NCAA football odds, visit the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com for everything you need to prepare you for the big game!

Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.