USC at Utah- College Football Predictions
The Game
Yes, guy.
The Trojans can put a virtual stranglehold on the PAC-12 South with a win over the Utes on Saturday night. The “slight” problem with that wish is that Utah is a tough place for opposing teams to bag victories. Then again, the Washington Huskies did just that earlier in the campaign (W 21-7) so maybe there is hope? Let’s dig in.
The Details
Utah -7 USC (48)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Utah -7
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Utah 27.5 USC 20.5
The Match-Up:
USC offense vs Utah defense
QB JT Daniels has been inconsistent this season BUT he has performed admirably for a true freshman facing a tough schedule (Stanford, Texas, Washington St, Colorado). Daniels only sports a 7-5 TD to INT ratio but has been able to hit enough big plays when MATRICULATING the ball down the field in the passing game. WR Amon-Ra St Brown is developing into a star and Michael Pittman is averaging over 21 YPC. USC is ranked #111 (!) in the FBS in rushing offense and now must face the brick wall that is the Utah defense which is ranked #2 in the FBS vs the run. Utah gets adequate PENETRATION (lead the PAC-12 in sacks per game) and do a good job in pass defense (#18 FBS pass efficiency defense). USC is going to have to hit 2-3 big plays (40+ yards) in the passing game to win this one because it doesn’t seem like they will be able to get anything going on the ground. If they can find a way to protect Daniels the WR group has a shot to do some damage. <grabs popcorn>
Utah offense vs USC defense
The Utes’ offense has come alive the two games and they have managed to score 82 combined points in their last two contests (Stanford, Arizona). We like the balance they have shown in those two wins (222 rush / 199 pass ; 230 rush / 265 pass) and that promises to give the Trojans a lot of problems. USC will be without standout LB Porter Gustin (OFY) and star MLB Cameron Smith is still less than 100%. USC plays solid defense and we expect them to do a decent job on Saturday. The key will be for Utah to take care of the football and take advantage of any short fields and/or USC mistakes. Just do what you do, baby.
Trends, Intangibles and More!
Watch for the hidden yards in this one as Utah boasts one of the best punters in college football whilst the Trojans are ranked #109 in net punting…..The home team has won five straight in this series and the last two meetings in Salt Lake City were really close….31-27 and 24-21 Utah wins.
Summary
The Trojans are an amazing 19-0 at home under HC Clay Helton but just 9-8 in road games. They were smashed earlier in the season playing at Stanford and Texas and look to be in tough this week playing a great defense.
Conclusion
Official play: None yet. (stay tuned)
Side: Lean to Utah
Total: Slight lean to the under
Note:
‘Lean’ implies we are comfortable suggesting ‘small potatoes’ on the game. Nothing more. < but always stay tuned for updates >
‘Slight lean’ implies we are almost certain to avoid the game and/or total from a betting standpoint even for ‘small potatoes’. We give an opinion for those who need to get down and want advice.