cardsunsfan
ASFN Lifer
Fox sports has ASU beating USC 
Line:
USC -10
USC got the win over California last week holding on late in a 23-17 classic, but it left the college football world wanting more. Sure, Cal proved itself to be one of the nation's best teams, but USC didn't exactly look like the be all, end all number one team in the nation. It can do that now. Under the radar, Arizona State has put together a terrific first half of the season including a win at Northwestern, which now looks much stronger than it did in September, along with decisive victories over Iowa, Oregon State and Oregon. This is the Sun Devils' shot at the big time as a win would vault them into the top five and by all rationality, should put them in the top two. With all due respect to the rest of USC's schedule, ASU is, by far, the best team left to play.
Why Arizona State might win: If you like Cal QB Aaron Rodgers last week, you'll love Andrew Walter. Most NFL scouts have Walter third among college quarterbacks behind Leinart and Rodgers; don't believe it. He's bigger, stronger, has a bigger arm, and has done more with fewer weapons than the other two. He won't be nearly as accurate as Rodgers was last week (few college quarterbacks ever have been), but he's more than good enough, and experienced enough, to be able to handle the pressure USC will throw at him. ASU isn't just Walter, it has a surprisingly good defense currently leading the Pac 10 in pass efficiency D with opponents averaging a quarterback rating of 94.62. Considering ASU has faced Northwestern's Brett Basanez, Oregon State's Derek Anderson and Oregon's Kellen Clemens, that's impressive.
Why USC might win: Do the Sun Devils have enough weapons to beat the Trojans? The running backs are good, but are they better than California's J.J. Arrington? The receivers are decent led by the explosive Derek Hagan, but they aren't as good as Cal's. In other words, California has more offensive talent than Arizona State and even got one of the great quarterbacking days in NCAA history last week; it wasn't enough. Say what you will about how shaky USC has been at times, through all the adversity, off-the-field problems and big shots from everyone it's faced, it's still 5-0.
Who to watch: Who will Matt Leinart throw to? ASU has one of the nation's better run defenses and should keep Reggie Bush and LenDale White from running wild, so Leinart will once again have to come up with a top performance. His statistics might not be there compared to other top quarterbacks, but no one has played better under pressure. Now he has to do it without leading receiver Steve Smith, who's out for the year with a broken leg, meaning Bush will have to be more of a receiver and Dwayne Jarrett and Chris McFoy have to become stars.
What will happen: USC has the look of a team that's about to get tagged. It survived close calls against Virginia Tech, Stanford and Cal; how many bullets can the team dodge? With two weeks off to prepare, a superstar quarterback and a better defense than it gets credit for, Arizona State has all the makings to pull off the upset and shake up the college football world.
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Taxi) ... 5
Line: USC -11
Fearless Prediction: Arizona State 24 ... USC 20
Prediction: Arizona State 24 ... USC 20
Line:
USC -10
USC got the win over California last week holding on late in a 23-17 classic, but it left the college football world wanting more. Sure, Cal proved itself to be one of the nation's best teams, but USC didn't exactly look like the be all, end all number one team in the nation. It can do that now. Under the radar, Arizona State has put together a terrific first half of the season including a win at Northwestern, which now looks much stronger than it did in September, along with decisive victories over Iowa, Oregon State and Oregon. This is the Sun Devils' shot at the big time as a win would vault them into the top five and by all rationality, should put them in the top two. With all due respect to the rest of USC's schedule, ASU is, by far, the best team left to play.
Why Arizona State might win: If you like Cal QB Aaron Rodgers last week, you'll love Andrew Walter. Most NFL scouts have Walter third among college quarterbacks behind Leinart and Rodgers; don't believe it. He's bigger, stronger, has a bigger arm, and has done more with fewer weapons than the other two. He won't be nearly as accurate as Rodgers was last week (few college quarterbacks ever have been), but he's more than good enough, and experienced enough, to be able to handle the pressure USC will throw at him. ASU isn't just Walter, it has a surprisingly good defense currently leading the Pac 10 in pass efficiency D with opponents averaging a quarterback rating of 94.62. Considering ASU has faced Northwestern's Brett Basanez, Oregon State's Derek Anderson and Oregon's Kellen Clemens, that's impressive.
Why USC might win: Do the Sun Devils have enough weapons to beat the Trojans? The running backs are good, but are they better than California's J.J. Arrington? The receivers are decent led by the explosive Derek Hagan, but they aren't as good as Cal's. In other words, California has more offensive talent than Arizona State and even got one of the great quarterbacking days in NCAA history last week; it wasn't enough. Say what you will about how shaky USC has been at times, through all the adversity, off-the-field problems and big shots from everyone it's faced, it's still 5-0.
Who to watch: Who will Matt Leinart throw to? ASU has one of the nation's better run defenses and should keep Reggie Bush and LenDale White from running wild, so Leinart will once again have to come up with a top performance. His statistics might not be there compared to other top quarterbacks, but no one has played better under pressure. Now he has to do it without leading receiver Steve Smith, who's out for the year with a broken leg, meaning Bush will have to be more of a receiver and Dwayne Jarrett and Chris McFoy have to become stars.
What will happen: USC has the look of a team that's about to get tagged. It survived close calls against Virginia Tech, Stanford and Cal; how many bullets can the team dodge? With two weeks off to prepare, a superstar quarterback and a better defense than it gets credit for, Arizona State has all the makings to pull off the upset and shake up the college football world.
Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Taxi) ... 5
Line: USC -11
Fearless Prediction: Arizona State 24 ... USC 20
Prediction: Arizona State 24 ... USC 20
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