[tps_title]USC at Cal[/tps_title]
[tps_header]12 p.m., Fox Sports[/tps_header]
USC (4-3, 2-2) AT
CALIFORNIA (5-2, 2-2)
12 p.m., Fox Sports
Pointspread: USC favored by 3.5 points
— The spread has only shifted a half-point down from where it started (USC opened as 4-point favorites).
— Cal QB Jared Goff is currently No. 10 in the nation in passing. He is currently No. 10 in the nation in points responsible for per game and No. 14 in the nation in overall points responsible for.
— USC’s front seven were responsible for three sacks of Utah QB Travis Wilson last week. USC middle linebacker Cam Smith sgrabbed three interceptions and denied Utah the middle of the field.
— Cal’s secondary was exposed by a true freshman last week (UCLA’s Josh Rosen) and Cody Kessler has the weapons and experience to produce a similar outing. The Trojans also have figured out a rushing attack that works well and their ability to mix that in with the pass is what will keep this Golden Bears defense on their heels for most of the game.
Southern Cal is 17-8 SU in its last 25 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Southern Cal’s last 6 games
Southern Cal is 7-14 ATS in its last 21 games on the road
Southern Cal is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games on the road
California is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of California’s last 6 games
California is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games at home
California is 6-14 SU in its last 20 games at home
My pick: USC will win and cover
Steve Rivera’s pick: USC will win and cover
Anthony Gimino’s pick: USC will win and cover