NCAA Football Betting Preview
Arizona Wildcats (7-4) at No. 18 USC Trojans (8-3)
Saturday December 5th, 3:30PM Eastern

Betus.com betting line – USC -7, 50 O/U

The no. 18 USC Trojans host the Arizona Wildcats at the Coliseum in a season finale this Saturday afternoon. The Trojans have had a disappointing season for their high standards even at 8-3 on the year and another loss would put yet another dent in the season. Arizona on the other hand has had a better than expected season. The Wildcats were in the midst of a Pac-10 Championship before losing back to back games against Oregon and California.

The one thing Arizona would love to do now is capture a win over one of their rivals in the Pac-10. The Wildcats have lost 7 straight to the Trojans and they are the only team that Arizona Coach Mike Stoops has not beaten in the Pac-10. The problem is that the game will be played at the Coliseum where the Trojans have triumphed more than any other home team over the last decade. However, expect Arizona to be up for the challenge as they may sense that this is not the once overpowering Trojans team of year’s past.

The difference in this USC team than in the previous few seasons is their defense. The Trojans defense has terrified the Pac-10 in recent years, but only ranks 43rd overall this year allowing 344 yards per game. The Trojans have also relinquished 135 yards on the ground each game. This will be critical to Arizona’s efforts to win the game. The Wildcats have not dominated on the ground by any means this season, but they may have a better chance at running the ball against the USC defense than most would predict.

Running backs Nic Grigsby and Keola Antolin have combined for over 1,000 yards and 9 touchdowns this season. Both backs will be huge factors this Saturday especially if they can keep the chains moving. QB Nick Foles has been solid as well this season completing 67% with 17 touchdowns and 7 picks. Foles spreads the ball around well and has not made many mistakes over the past few outings. If that trend continues and they get help from the running game, there is no need to think Arizona will not have a legitimate chance at winning the ball game.

One thing that has been evident in the Trojans less dominating season has been the play of the offense behind freshman quarterback Matt Barkley. Barkley has completed just 59% with 12 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. More importantly Barkley threw 8 interceptions in the last 5 games in which 2 of those games were losses. The Trojans offense has been much less explosive in the passing game and perhaps much less explosive overall. Running back Joe McKnight however may be the best of the bunch on offense. McKnight has rushed for 979 yards while averaging over 6 yards per carry this season to capture 8 touchdowns during the process.

Without McKnight, one can only imagine the disastrous season that could be on the hands of Pete Carroll. However, the offense has been able to control tempo of the game and get the help of a defensive line that is known for forcing 3 and outs. In fact, the defensive line is averaging 3 sacks per game this season which ranks 7th in the country. It will be up to that same defensive line to penetrate the Arizona offensive front and control the game where it matters most which is in the trenches.

Pick – Arizona has been within a touchdown the last two years and they are prime for the upset this time around. Take Arizona +7