No. 7 USC Favored By 5 On The Road Against No. 24 California

NFL News - October 1st, 2009 - Written by John

About two weeks ago, this week's matchup between USC and California was considered a crucial game in both teams chances of a national title.  Well, it still could be for one, but for the loser, their national title hopes are gone and most likely a Rose Bowl bid.  Both teams have one loss to an unranked team as USC is 3-1 (1-1) and Cal is 3-1 (0-1).  The 7th ranked Trojans won their game last weekend 27-6 over Washington State.  California is coming off an embarrassing 42-3 loss to Oregon.  USC has won five straight over the Golden Bears, including last year's 17-3 win.

USC suffered a different kind of loss this week.  Backup Running back Stefan Johnson suffered a crushed larynx and neck after a bar slipped out of his hands while bench pressing.  He was the second leading rusher on the team.  The Trojans have Matt Barkley back under center and he played well last week , despite the offense looking inconsistent at times.  He has thrown for 675 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year.  Their rushing game has been good this year as the Trojans have three backs with over 100 yards on the ground.  Joe McKnight leads this trio with 354 yards and 4 touchdowns.   Their defense has been solid this season and is ranked 6th nationally.  Their secondary has been a huge plus for the Trojans as they have not allowed a touchdown pass in four games.  USC is holding their opponents to under 60 yards a game and will need to do this again Saturday as they face one of the nation's best backs in Jahvid Best.  They also have 18 sacks which leads the nation.

The passing game for California, ranked 24th in the nation, will be crucial against USC.  The Trojans have proven they can stop the run and quarterback Kevin Riley will need to regroup after his 12 for 31 passing day last week.  On the year, he has 821 yards passing and 5 touchdowns.  The offensive line will need to do a great job of protecting Riley against a strong USC pass rush.  The Trojans recorded 8 sacks a week ago.  Oregon held Best (467 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns) to just 55 yards last week and he should have another tough outing this week.  It will be key for the Golden Bears to stop the rushing attack of USC, which is averaging 216 yards per game on the ground.  If successful, it would force the Trojans to rely on their freshman quarterback to win the game. 

USC will be favored by 5 on the road against California according to Betus sportsbook.  The over/under is set at 47 1/2. 

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