Football Betting

NCAA football betting – Oregon vs. USC odds as Trojans look to rebound

Posted on 9/30/2008 5:03:55 PM By Blake Frazier

Oregon vs. USC odds: can Oregon make it two straight losses for USC?

• WHAT: NCAA football betting
• WHO: Oregon Ducks at USC Trojans
• WHEN: Saturday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET
• WHERE: The Coliseum
• KEY STATS: Oregon is 4-0 against the spread in its last four road games as an underdog of 14.5 to 21 points; USC is 1-6 against the spread in its last seven October games
• PICK: USC

Oregon vs. USC picks won’t be as completely one-sided this week after the formerly top-ranked USC Trojans dropped a road contest at Oregon State. Had this game been played last week—just one after USC stomped Ohio State and one week after Oregon lost yet another quarterback to a protracted injury—and USC would be favored by nearly 20 points.

Instead, the Oregon vs. USC odds favor the Trojans by 16.5 points.

USC is still the best team in the nation when it’s focused on the current opponent, but clearly that doesn’t always happen. Following a road loss where the Trojans were embarrassed nationally, you can expect them to dominate as a double-digit favorite at home.

These is typically the time of year the Trojans start tightening up a little bit and allow their opponents to stick around in games. USC has covered the spread only once in its last 10 games between week five and week nine, and they’ve covered only once in their last seven October games. That makes Oregon vs. USC betting more interesting.

If you’re evaluating the Oregon vs. USC lines, you have to factor that Oregon has a ton of problems at quarterback, which could be its downfall. The Ducks average nearly 300 yards per game on the ground but inefficient quarterback play led to their demise just two weeks ago at home to Boise State.

It’s hard not to be tempted by the online sportsbook odds which have the Trojans favored by 16.5 points, but the reality is Oregon is a one-dimensional offense and, if USC can curtail their ground game, the contest could get ugly early on.

BLAKE’S PICKS: Though Oregon vs. USC odds are big, bet on the USC Trojans at -16.5 and look for them to bounce-back after taking last week off.

For more NCAA Football lines or insight into the Ohio State vs. Wisconsin lines or Florida State vs. Miami odds, visit BetOnline.com, a top-rated online sportsbook providing reliable sports betting to millions of online betting customers. And check out the Bettor’s Edge for more tips on college football betting and Oregon vs. USC odds.

Blake walked onto his college football team and had a brief stint as an assistant coach after he graduated. He brings a sharp mind to the world of sports handicapping. Blake understands the nuances of the game that only someone who has played would understand, and he was one of the few who gave the Giants a chance against the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.