USC Trojans 2017 NCAA Football Preview

College Football Predictions – USC Trojans 2017 NCAA Football Preview

2016 Recap

2016 Record – 10-3

2016 ATS – 8-5

That’s more like it.

USC got off to a slow start and then rallied behind star QB Sam Darnold to win their last NINE games. That included wins over Colorado, Washington, Notre Dame and Penn St in one of the most exciting Rose Bowl games of all time. College football is definitely more interesting when these guys are great. They are not “great” yet – but they just might get there by the end of this season. <grabs popcorn>

2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

PAC 12 – TBD

South Division – TBD

OFFENSE

QB Sam Darnold was fantastic in 2016 throwing for over 3,000 yards and 31 TDs while starting just 10 games. We knew the potential was there but I think a lot of people were surprised how quickly he became really really good. Darnold will lead a potent and balanced attack in 2017 with the only question mark being the offensive line that returns just a pair of starters. Last season’s unit paved the way for 5.2 yards per carry while allowing only 12 (!) sacks. The talent is there. How quickly can they gel ?

As far as the skill position go the Trojans have no worries. RB Ronald Jones is quickly becoming a MEGALOCKS favorite and rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 TDs at 6 yards per carry in 2016. The passing game will move on without the top-2 WR from last year’s squad but still have a lot of highly-recruited specimens that are very likely to turn into stars. The Trojans have a likely freebie against Western Michigan to open the season and hopefully Darnold and the WRs can develop a bit of chemistry. Stanford comes to town in week two.

DEFENSE

USC did a decent job on defense last year ranking 3rd in the PAC 12 in total defense and 5th in scoring defense. We feel that they need to make at least a moderate step forward in order to be considered a national championship caliber squad. The Trojans return 7 starters to the stop unit including three of the four leading tacklers and their top-2 sack men (Porter Gustin, Rasheem Green) that are part of a really good looking DL. MLB Cameron Smith is rock solid. The secondary will definitely miss star CB Adoree Jackson who is off to the NFL. Overall this defense looks really good on paper. It remains to be seen if it can approach “great”.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Uh oh. USC was 2nd last in the PAC 12 in punting average last season and Chris Tilbey will need to step up his game. PK Matthew Boermeester is no longer with the team and that leaves a potentially gaping hole in the FG-making department. Adoree Jackson was a ridiculously talented return man and will be missed.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot

Oct 21 – at Notre Dame. This game pops up in a PAC 12 sandwich situation (Utah, Arizona St) and we will probably avoid laying points on the road in this spot.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

USC has the highest winning percentage in bowl games (.653) among all teams with at least 15 bowl appearances.

Reggie Bush was incredible.

MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 5.0

MEGALOCKS says:

Overall, we give the TROJANS a 5.0 ATS Value Rating (Average) this season.

Can these guys live up to the hype ? The talent is there but it’s not like it is a team without question marks. They are the favorite to win the PAC 12 South, but to be honest, they will not be able to just roll their helmets out there and win every week. The schedule is tough and there are only a few gimmes on the docket.

This is a tough team to back vs Vegas. This Trojans are near the top of the DEGENERATE RADAR and are also a popular side with the average betting schmoe. It’s hard to find value with these guys, and as per usual, we recommend picking your spots. FIGHT ON.

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