Pac-12 W7

[Conan]

As a former advocate for USC I must say that one never walks away completely. If and when they regain that old Trojan spirit and pride and wind up in the playoffs I will back them up 100%. Carroll had them flying high and they were something else to see. (Then Sark took over as OC for Lane Kiffin and that's where the slide began.

(Eventually Oregon came along and took on the "Must see TV role)

I am glad to see that you share my opinion of Ed Orgeron. USC might be on a real tear had Pat Haden hung onto him. Man what a monumental fuckup it was for him to cut Orgeron loose and hire a coach with the mediocre history and record of Sarkisian.

 

[fishmustdie]

Conan, are you surprised at Utah getting 3.5 at SC next week?

 

[Conan]

That's how the majority of bettors in LA and in SECland view both teams. USC with the HFA might make their case.

I don't know how their interim HC will do in a pinch, but Utah isn't ranked #3 for being beaten.

This week has historically been my worst because 8 weeks is just long enough for the losers to turn things around and at least upset the chalk. But I still believe in the Utes so I'll go for the 3 1/2 points.

 

[Conan]

I should also add that If a local sports radio host just happens to interview Travis Wilson (Ute QB) listen carefully and feel him out . As Travis Wilson goes, so go the Utes

 

[Addicted2quack]

I'm taking Utah very large but I do believe they will lose at least one game before the conference championship. I thought cal and ASU both had chances and they did, but couldn't collect. USC is definitely talented enough and possesses the right QB to upset the Utes, but I just can't resist 3 points for a team doing nothing but winning games. Hard to tell what USC psyche is right now with all the extracurricular attention.

 

[Conan]

I recall a similar situation when Ed Orgeron was given the job of HC when Lane Kiffin was fired in mid season and USC wound up going 6-2 to finish out the season. Haden canned him so he could Make room for that alcoholic to be given (as we all know) the permanent HC position. I happened to love the guy and so did the team.

I am not a sure where Helton (sp?) stands with the players. I seriously doubt that he's another Orgeron. The new guy must be an improvement but that isn't asking much.

USC didn't look too bad vs. Notre Dame but it was the Irish who finished strong and closed the door to bring home the victory and not USC. Not only that but we likely saw USC at it's best in a game where both teams were highly motivated.

It seems almost anti-climactic that the following week they are at home playing the Utah Utes. Who the fuck are they I say as they are regarded in the Trojan lockerroom?

So all in all I give the motivational factor to Utah who should take this one outright. Perhaps this is an opportunity to cash a ML wager for a little extra juice.

 

[Conan]

By the way...

USC might be in a revenge position vs the Utes but the revenge angle is x5 so I think that factor could be rather boring and certainly redundant to the team.

 

[bigwang]

Conan- At what point does Haden get shown the door for the bad hires made on his watch?

 

[fishmustdie]

I won't touch this because of the helter skelter nature of SC right now-they could come out and smack Utah and just as easily lay down and die. Helton has taken a page from the the Orgeron playbook and played up the "SC family" us against the world tact. Helton remember was really the Offensive "head coach" during Orgeron's run and is definately folowing that recipe Ed layed down. I'm just shocked SC is a Fav., just seems like Utah should be 3 pt favs.

 

[bobbyjones2]

is this one of those scenarios where the line maker sets a trap? undefeated team, on the road against a team that lost its coach 10 days ago? i know the usc line is taxed, but i really thought this would be a pick em or maybe utah a small rf..trying not to over think this..deciding whether to buy out of my utah plus 3 play

 

[WinOne]

interestingly when USC fired Kiffen, the following week SC slogged through a win at home versus Zona, then went on the road and lost to ND 14-10. They then came home the following week and beat Utah 19-3 as a 5 point favorite in that game. This was 2 yrs ago. I want to see which way the line moves to see if there is much action on Utah

 

[Kiln]

So all in all I give the motivational factor to Utah who should take this one outright. Perhaps this is an opportunity to cash a ML wager for a little extra juice.

No concern about the RLM?