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USC (-12.0) versus Washington St.
While there’s no doubt that USC is among the nation’s elite it appears as if the Cougars are being overlooked. Washington State has a distinct edge on the defensive side of the ball, as they’ve allowed just 3.3 yards per rushing play and 4.5 yards per pass play against a schedule of teams that combines to average 4.1 yprp and 5.9 yppp on offense. USC has averaged 4.8 yprp and Leinart averages 8.6 yppp (against teams that combine to allow 4.3 yprp and 6.0 yppp on defense), so their offense does have a slight advantage over the Cougars’ defense, but I certainly don’t expect the Trojans to score too easily in this game. Washington State is just a bit better than average offensively (5.5 yards per play against teams that allow 5.3 yppl), but they should generate enough points against a good, but not great, USC defense (4.5 yppl against teams that average 5.0 yppl on offense) to keep this game competitive. Washington State plays well on the road (14-5 ATS) and I’ll look for them to stay within the number in this game.
Prediction? USC 30 Wash St. 23
While there’s no doubt that USC is among the nation’s elite it appears as if the Cougars are being overlooked. Washington State has a distinct edge on the defensive side of the ball, as they’ve allowed just 3.3 yards per rushing play and 4.5 yards per pass play against a schedule of teams that combines to average 4.1 yprp and 5.9 yppp on offense. USC has averaged 4.8 yprp and Leinart averages 8.6 yppp (against teams that combine to allow 4.3 yprp and 6.0 yppp on defense), so their offense does have a slight advantage over the Cougars’ defense, but I certainly don’t expect the Trojans to score too easily in this game. Washington State is just a bit better than average offensively (5.5 yards per play against teams that allow 5.3 yppl), but they should generate enough points against a good, but not great, USC defense (4.5 yppl against teams that average 5.0 yppl on offense) to keep this game competitive. Washington State plays well on the road (14-5 ATS) and I’ll look for them to stay within the number in this game.
Prediction? USC 30 Wash St. 23