NCAAF Picks: The USC Trojans and their backers got a painful reminder about their lack of depth in their punishing upset loss at Boston College that followed a promising win at Stanford which many observers overreacted too. The pesky Oregon State Beavers are undefeated, but that has not translated into good betting value as of yet.
The USC Trojans will host the Oregon State Beavers on Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Coverage on ESPN wills start at 10:30 PM ET. USC is a 11.5-point chalk. Please check BetDSI for the latest NCAAF odds.
Men of Troy Rested Up
USC is 2-1 both straight up and against the spread with a 2-1 mark over the total. USC is coming off a bye week that followed a 37-31 loss at Boston College. The Trojans are continuing to pay the price for the NCAA scholarship reductions imposed on them for the Reggie Bush illegal payment scandal of a decade ago as they have enough front line talent to compete with nearly anyone but not enough depth to sustain success in the long run. Quarterback Cody Kessler has been impressive with a 168.5 QB rating with an 8-0 TD-INT ratio. The Trojan defense ranks an alarming 85th overall nationally.
Beavers Lack Chomp vs. Line
Oregon State is 3-0 SU but 1-2 ATS with a 1-2 mark under the total. Oregon State is coming off a 28-7 home payout over San Diego State. The Beavers are fielding one of their most promising defenses in recent memory as they rank sixth overall in the nation and 18th for points allowed.
Matchup and Pick
Oregon State has been a respectable board value on the road with nine payouts in their last 14 away games as nine out of their last 14 away games have gone over the total. USC has been a decent value against the NCAAF odds at home with eight payouts in their last 14 home games as just four out of their last 17 home games have gone over the total. Oregon State has been an outstanding betting value in their head to head series with USC as they have paid out in eight out of their last 12 matchups with the Trojans as four out of the last five meetings between Oregon State and USC have gone under the total. USC has paid out in three out of their last four home games with Oregon State, however. We’ll call for USC (-11.5) and under the total.
