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Without a doubt, one game on the college football landscape for Saturday has been stealing the headlines, USC at Ohio State. These are two of the most dominant programs of the decade, but they couldn't be any different. The Trojans are from the West Coast, the Buckeyes from the Midwest's Big Ten Conference. Can USC (-7) and its freshman quarterback come into Columbus and dominate the Buckeyes? Is this a spot where a home underdog holds the ultimate value? Either way you decide, be sure to get in on the action for this heavyweight tilt at Sportsbook.com. Then settle in front of the TV for a great night of college football.
Though it will be downplayed as such, every Big Ten fan (except possibly in Ann Arbor) would relish an Ohio State victory, even if they hate the Buckeyes. The Big Ten could be a running joke on the new Jay Leno nightly show if they are clobbered again by the Trojans. What's unfortunate is Jim Tressel's teams just haven't been able to beat Florida and USC in the last several seasons in the biggest games and now they are looked upon as outcasts. Overall, the Buckeyes have had success against Pac-10 teams, but not against USC (0-4 ATS).
Does any team relish the spotlight more than Pete Carroll's squad? When the lights come, USC is usually at its best. The Trojans are also 11-1 SU and ATS in their initial road game of the L12 seasons. Freshman QB Matt Barkley comes off a solid effort in the 55-3 rout of San Jose State last week, and looks to be the next great Trojans field general. The defense lost a ton of NFL talent, however no one is thinking the replacements won't be top level.
Statement games are a USC specialty and they are 13-3 and 12-4 ATS against Top 10 teams since 2001. The Ohio State defense must finds ways to rattle the youngster Barkley and possibly create turnovers that lead to points. The Trojans are 36-18 ATS after scoring 42 points or more last game and 8-1 ATS in non-conference games. Unless Buckeyes come up big, it will be the same old "overrated" mantra about the Big Ten.
The StatFox Power Line says USC by 9. Sportsbook only has the game at 7. This might be the only time this season you can bet the Trojans as a single-digit favorite.
