Expert College Football Picks: USC vs. California

At the beginning of the year, many people thought that this would be the best game in the Pac-10 conference this year. These two teams were believed to be the cream of the crop and everyone else would be a side show.

However, somewhere along the way, things changed. The unbelievably talented Trojan team lost at the hands of Washington and California got blown out against Oregon last week. Both teams showed that they are capable of losing and not nearly as good as anticipated. So, what should we expect in this game as far as Free College Football Picks go?

The game is still important, and it still features two good teams. The Trojans always have enough talent to fill several NFL roster spots, and this year is no different.

True freshman quarterback Matt Barkley will play, as he is now over his shoulder injury that sidelined him for the Washington game. While he definitely has the talent, the results have been less than stellar so far. He had a great game-winning drive against Ohio St., but other than that, he hasn’t done a lot. Can he put all of his tools together and lead some sustained drives for the Trojans?

This week has seen another side story play out when a weight lifting accident took place at USC. Running back Stefon Johnson was using the bench press when the bar slipped out of his hands and fell directly on his throat.

He was rushed to the hospital after blood started to come out of his mouth and nose. They performed emergency surgery on him and indications are that his voice box was damaged. While it was a bad injury, it could have been worse. He has five touchdowns on the season, and they don’t know how long he’ll be out.

Another talented performer for USC is wide receiver Damien Williams. The Arkansas transfer has shown some big-play ability and will help Matt Barkley develop. If he and all of the wide receivers play up to their capabilities in this one, California will have a hard time matching up with them.

On the other side of the ball, California is coming off of a 39-point loss to Oregon. Whenever you were thought to be a Pac-10 contender and you lose by 39 points to anyone, it can be pretty disheartening. How they respond to USC will go a long way toward how the rest of their season will unfold.

California has what many consider to be the best running back in the country in Jahvid Best. His running ability is unmatched in the Pac-10, and he can single handedly change a game with one of his long runs. At times, he has looked flat-out dominate at his position. If the Golden Bears can get him going early and often, USC’s defense could be in for a really long day.

Look for this game to be a very close game between two good teams. USC is more talented overall, but whether they mesh and play up to expectations is another story.

Check out Vernon Croy’s Expert College Football Picks for Saturday.