#153 Cal +3 over USC - 1 Unit I made the game Pick'em -
Not my biggest play of the week but both the side and total here are giving some really keen insight as to which way one should be leaning in the affair. There are a lot of USC -2.5's out there and the total will also surprise a lot of people being around 53 in the wake of the score fests we've seen from recent trojan contests.
I have a few simple rules in handicapping and it starts with who I think can control the line of scrimmage is probably going to win the game. Cal's defense under NFL coach Clancy Pendergast has made significant improvements this year and is in another class when compared to USC. Sans the Friday night performance at Nevada four weeks ago, the Golden Bears have put Arizona's air raid and UCLA's pistol on total lockdown, conceding 10 and 7 points respectively, and looking schematically very impressive in the process.
USC has a lot of talent on offense but I'm looking for the mix of blitz packages and strong linebacking play from Cal to make the Trojan offense appear average during this affair.
Comments out of the USC camp this team is not what it was 2 years ago are hurtful, but true. On the other side of the ball, Cal QB Kevin Riley does give me cause for concern over his lack of consistent play, however, future NFL all pro RB Shane Vereen will provide a viable play action passing attack as I see a 27-20 California victory and will enjoy having the three-point cushion.
Good luck to everyone...
