tabulas.com

This week's BetOnline.com odds for the USC-Oregon are banking on an intense game between the top two teams in the Pac-10, and the Ducks are aiming to end USC's stranglehold on this conference: the Trojans have been either champions or co-champions every year since 2002, a year after Oregon's last title.

 

 

The No.5 Trojans (6-1, 3-1) left it late once again, and if they keep losing late leads, it could be alleged that they're aiming to ruin the day of spread bettors. USC held a 19-point lead with 14 minutes left, and held on for a 42-36 win over Oregon State at home. Matt Barkley was 15-of-25 for 202 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of picks, but the story was the USC rushing attack, which went for 227 yards. Allen Bradford ran for 147 yards and two touchdowns, and he's making the decision to sit him behind Joe McKnight and the injured Stafon Johnson look criminal. The defense, which lost a number of starters, had their second straight late collapse, and this has to worry USC coach Pete Carroll.

 

The No.10 Ducks (6-1, 4-0) won their sixth in a row with a 43-19 romp over Washington, and they haven't looked back since LaGarrette Blount's infamous punch in the season opener at Boise State. LaMichael James had 154 yards and two touchdowns, his fourth game of 100 yards or more in five outings, while Jeremiah Masoli returned from a knee injury to add three touchdowns, two on the ground and one through the air. Their defense has been surprising good too, as Oregon is 19th in the country.

 

Your online sports betting book has the Trojans as a 3-point favorite at Oregon, where they lost 24-17 in 2007. They've won four of the last five overall, and this one won't be easy, but the edge goes to USC. The jury is still out on the Oregon defense, who has improved each week but face their stiffest test of the season against the Trojans. The USC defense is great against the run, which means they may force Masoli to try and beat them with his arm, which definitely bodes well for USC. With all eyes on the Trojans due to the Los Angeles teams' World Series odds going down the drain, this is a huge task for Barkley and the rest of the Trojans. Look for them to shine.

 

BetOnline.com Pick: USC -3