Fresno State at USC - why the love for Fresno?

[ClipJoint]

I just posted this in the college football forum, but wanted to get some feedback up here as well.

I am a Fresno State season ticket holder and have no idea why this line is coming down. All I hear is "experts" talking about these stats of the Fresno State scoring offense and their "Top 10 defense". Do these people look at Fresno's schedule?

<TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR class=stathead vAlign=top bgColor=#e73139><TD width=125>Date </TD><TD width=125>Opponent </TD><TD width=125>Result </TD><TD width=75>Record </TD><TD width=75>TV </TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>September 10</TD><TD width=200>Weber State</TD><TD width=125>W 55-17</TD><TD width=75>1-0 (0-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>September 17</TD><TD width=200>at Oregon</TD><TD width=125>L 37-34</TD><TD width=75>1-1 (0-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75>TBS</TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>September 27</TD><TD width=200>Toledo</TD><TD width=125>W 44-14</TD><TD width=75>2-1 (0-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>October 8</TD><TD width=200>at New Mexico State</TD><TD width=125>W 37-7</TD><TD width=75>3-1 (1-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>October 15</TD><TD width=200>Utah State</TD><TD width=125>W 53-21</TD><TD width=75>4-1 (2-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>October 22</TD><TD width=200>at Idaho</TD><TD width=125>W 40-10</TD><TD width=75>5-1 (3-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>October 29</TD><TD width=200>at Hawaii</TD><TD width=125>W 27-13</TD><TD width=75>6-1 (4-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>November 5</TD><TD width=200>San Jose State</TD><TD width=125>W 45-7</TD><TD width=75>7-1 (5-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>November 10</TD><TD width=200>Boise State</TD><TD width=125>W 27-7</TD><TD width=75>8-1 (6-0)</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>November 19</TD><TD width=200>at No. 1 USC</TD><TD width=125>10:15 PM ET</TD><TD width=75>Tickets</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=oddrow vAlign=top><TD>November 26</TD><TD width=200>at Nevada</TD><TD width=125>7:07 PM ET</TD><TD width=75>Tickets</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR><TR class=evenrow vAlign=top><TD>December 2</TD><TD width=200>Louisiana Tech</TD><TD width=125>9:00 PM ET</TD><TD width=75>Tickets</TD><TD align=middle width=75></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


Guess what?

Weber State...worse than a lot of Division II schools.

@ Oregon...the only quality opponent and Fresno State played well.

Toledo...they played without their QB and looked like a high school team.

@ New Mexico State...yea, THAT 0-10 New Mexico State school.

Utah State...right, the 2-8 Aggies whose only wins were UNLV and San Jose State. They lost to Hawaii by 27.

@ Idaho...another great 2-8 school that belongs in 1-AA

@ Hawaii...always a tough game, but USC certainly didn't have any problem with them.

San Jose State...1-8.

Boise State...definitely not the same team as the past few years.

I understand Fresno State's ranking because they have played well. But they have only played 1 team (Oregon). USC is bigger, faster, stronger...and they should dominate this game.

Just my opinion...I hope it stays close but I am not touching it from a betting standpoint. If I were to bet, I would be on USC.
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[BCTTWR]

Yeah, it's an easy schedule, but a lot of points. I would like to see USC start out flat so I can get down on them on halftime.

 

[kermit16]

I like USC once again They have served me right almost every game I have backed them so far.I think they failed to cover 4 straight games this year but have rebounded nicely lately

 

[Journeyman]

very true, they have played no one besides Oregon

 

[~DaOnEaNdOnLy777~]

I think it's sort of due to Pat Hill's reputation of always having his teams ready to play when going up against quality opponents in the past. They seem to rise to the level of their opponent more times than not. Also, you can't just disregard the 23 points you're also getting with them too!! Are they gonna win the game? No! But you're not asking them to do so, you're pretty much just betting on them not to get demolished which I think is a good bet. They have a experienced and capable QB with a variety of tall, athletic receivers to throw to and a pretty darn good running game to go with it. That to me is a likely receipe for at least some success against the USC defense.

 

[TTinCO]

I wanted no part of this game-none, nada, zilch!

 

[ClipJoint]

This USC defense is very underrated...they are on the field the entire game. The offense scores in bunches and QUICK.

I forget what the stat is...but USC has a ridiculous amount of TDs in 2:00 minutes or less.

If Fresno State played in the Pac-10, they would have 3 or 4 losses.

There will be 90,000 people at The Coloseum tonight...I don't think USC will be bored. Plus they have Heisman candidates that need to get their stats.

 

[~DaOnEaNdOnLy777~]

This USC defense is very underrated...they are on the field the entire game. The offense scores in bunches and QUICK.

I forget what the stat is...but USC has a ridiculous amount of TDs in 2:00 minutes or less.

If Fresno State played in the Pac-10, they would have 3 or 4 losses.

There will be 90,000 people at The Coloseum tonight...I don't think USC will be bored. Plus they have Heisman candidates that need to get their stats.

More or less agree with you on all these points. I don't think they're defense is nearly as bad as some analysts on ESPN or whatevers try to make it seem. They started off young and those injuries didn't help but they've been coming together very nicely as the season has progressed. Still think Fresno gives them some trouble though. And that's why this $hit is so fun because you never know until the game starts. USC might win 60-0 for all I know.

 

[-Slim-]

I really like Fresno tonight.

I made this line 14. *I know, stupid me*

 

[PokerKingJim]

I'm not playing it but Fresno is gonna get run. They are being overvalued here. They are going to be completely outclassed. Here's hoping for the miracle upset though :toast:

 

[TTinCO]

The miracle upset may be brewing in Miami

7-0 GT

 

[quantumleap]

The square public doesn't do the type of homework you do Clip. They see the 8-1 record and say "Fresno is a good team. They have a good record and should be able to hang with SC."

I say "Fresno State will be run out of the Coliseum."

 

[TANG]

Fresno 24-21


1500-31500

 

[kermit16]

The schedule that USC plays and that of Fresno St. is far different. Fresno St. is outclassed in this matchup. Some of the Posters here remind me of the betters that made Okl a 3 point favorite against USC last year. The Pac 10 is tough and Notre Dame was no easy mark as their season has proved. This will be a blowout IMHO

 

[oldmanTED]

In the Oregon game, which was on the road, in the loudest stadium in the Pac 10, the Bulldogs led 17-0 before losing that game. Pinegar is a fairly decent QB and the wide receivers are legitimate prospects. Not playing the side in this game, but not surprised to see the Bulldogs being played. They may or may not cover, but it won't be for a lack of talent or desire.

 

[kermit16]

In the Oregon game, which was on the road, in the loudest stadium in the Pac 10, the Bulldogs led 17-0 before losing that game. Pinegar is a fairly decent QB and the wide receivers are legitimate prospects. Not playing the side in this game, but not surprised to see the Bulldogs being played. They may or may not cover, but it won't be for a lack of talent or desire.

This same Oregon Duck team playing at home had a 13-0 lead over USC. Do you remember what happened then ? USC outscored Oregon 45-0 the rest of the game at Oregon ! By the way, that was Oregon's only loss this year ! Should be an easy win for USC !

 

[kermit16]

Fresno 24-21


1500-31500

That must be some good stuff you're smoking my friend !:lolBIG:

 

[TANG]

<HR style="COLOR: #fdde82" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->Quote:

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1500-31500

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That must be some good stuff you're smoking my friend ! :lolBIG:


still tied<!-- / message -->

 

[bucsfan67]

Wellif its a trap, i feel in as well...

I think Fresno is solid enough on both sides of the ball to stay in the game....and while i really dont think they can win the game, thats a lot different than being able to stay within 23 points.....

Special teams could play a big part in this game...i look for Fresno to score at least 1 td via a punt return, kickoff return, or blocked kick...

Just seems the line was a little too high for me...

Like i said, i may have fell into the "trap " as well..

 

[TANG]

tied and going down the field on usc and they start with ball in 2nd half fresno is going to win very easy to see