Sportsbook players have a tough decision in NCAA football this week when USC visits California to resume an old state rivalry. Both teams should play with fire this week \u2013 USC on behalf of critically injured Stafon Johnson and Cal after taking an embarrassing beating in Oregon last week \u2013 but something has to give.<\/p>\n
(7) USC Trojans vs (24) California Golden Bears<\/strong><\/p>\n Saturday, October 3, 8:00 p.m. ET<\/strong> No one likes to accentuate the negative, but bettors have to wonder how USC\u2019s offense will respond on the road with Johnson out. At least for one game, the Trojans should survive without him. He wasn\u2019t the feature back in the first place, instead getting the rock in short-yardage situations and leading the team in rushing touchdowns with five. Joe McKnight is still the main guy and he\u2019s capable of shouldering a full workload.<\/p>\n USC quarterback Matt Barkley has been solid thus far, throwing just one interception in four games and averaging 225 yards per contest. He\u2019ll have a new challenge this week, however, as the Trojans may take to the air more than normal. Then again, McKnight is probably hungry for the rock after seeing Oregon explode for 236 rushing yards and two scores on the ground in last weeks\u2019 41-3 drubbing.<\/p>\n Cal may allow its share of points but should score plenty too. Jahvid Best is gunning for sleeper Heisman consideration; in four games, he\u2019s averaging 6.8 yards per carry and 116.8 rushing yards per game. He\u2019s scored nine total touchdowns including five in one game against Minnesota. Kevin Riley has played a nice caretaker role, throwing for five scores with zero picks.<\/p>\n As strong as Cal\u2019s offense looks, USC\u2019s defense is formidable. The Trojans lead the country with 18 sacks and haven\u2019t allowed more than 16 points in a game this season. Since the Trojan offense is more likely to break the Golden Bear defense than the Golden Bear offense is to break the Trojan defense (say that five times fast), USC should come out on top and win a close contest. Stick with the betting software<\/a> projection and pick USC to cover as the Trojans rally around their fallen teammate Johnson.<\/p>\n
\nSouthern Cal<\/strong>: 3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS
\nCalifornia<\/strong>: 3-1 SU, 2-1 ATS
\nCollege football odds favorite:<\/strong> Trojans -5<\/p>\n<\/p>\n