USC vs. Oregon College Football Odds
USC vs. Oregon College Football odds opened at Trojans -3 ½ and have sat steady at -3 throughout much of the week. That's where the line was at Sportsbook.com heading into Saturday.
The USC Trojans' chance for an eighth consecutive Pac-10 title could end Saturday in Eugene, Oregon.
The Trojans face the undesirable task of entering Autzen Stadium and beating an Oregon Ducks team that thrives at its homes stadium.
Oregon, a perfect 4-0 in Pac-10 play, can likely end USC's reign atop the Pac-10 with a win Saturday night. That makes this one of the more intriguing games of the season as the Trojans, 3-1 in conference play, can't afford another loss.
Oregon is the hot team but has been like the little brother to the bully Trojans. Is this the year the tide turns and the Ducks waddle off the field as winners? Or is Sportsbook.com and 64% of its bettors correct in seeing USC as the worthy three-point road favorite?
The Oregon Ducks (6-1, 5-2 ATS) have a rare opportunity in the Pac-10 since Pete Carroll took over as the USC head coach. With a win, Oregon controls its destiny. Besides the fact of being at home, the Ducks defense has been something to quack about.
After a lumbering start (27.3PPG in first three contests), coach Chip Kelly's defense has permitted just 38 points in their last four outings and is second in the Pac-10 in points allowed (16.7) and 19th in the country in yards allowed (297.1).
In order to beat USC, the defense has to limit big plays and make the Trojans score field goals. Creating seams for freshman RB LaMichael James is imperative, since that opens up passing lanes for QB Jeremiah Masoli. The Ducks signal caller has to play under control and contain his emotions. His accuracy as a passer will be every bit as important as what he does with his legs. Oregon is 23-10 ATS vs. good passing teams averaging eight or more passing yards per attempt.
The Trojans (6-1, 2-5 ATS) took care of one Oregon State last week 42-36 and goes for the sweep in Eugene. It is starting to look like the movie "Groundhog" with USC gathering steam as November approaches. The defense is one of the finest in the country, though shaky against the pass the last two weeks in allowing 614 yards.
USC coaches are opening the playbook more each week as quarterback Matt Barkley's confidence soars. Look for USC to pressure Oregon with its relentless pass rushers and All-American safety Taylor Mays to take away Masoli's favorite target TE Ed Dickson. USC is 9-4 ATS in the first of two road games.
This is Oregon's time and they know it, but how will they perform against a USC team built for these moments? Oregon is 5-10 ATS vs. USC in last 15 meetings, with the favorite having covered seven of last eight. The road team is 8-4 ATS since 1993.
The StatFox Power Line shows Oregon by 2, meaning bettors at Sportsbook.com who had the courage to bet on an upset could be in line for a nice Halloween treat.
Find USC vs. Oregon College Football odds here at Sportsbook.com.
Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
