When the Info Plays team thinks the books have made a mistake with their bowl game lines, visitors tend to listen and load up big. Those of you who followed their bowl picks yesterday and took USC over Penn State were happy that you did, so let’s check out their reasons why USC would cover the spread Thursday:
1.) The Big Ten just cannot keep up with the Pac-10, and that was evident when USC put a 35-3 beat down on Ohio State at home earlier this season. You will see a similar final score in this game with USC rolling by double-digits with ease. Penn State may be a smidgen better than the Buckeyes, but it’s not enough of a difference that they’ll magically give the Trojans a run for their money Thursday.
2.) USC has the #1 Ranked Defense in the country. This may be the best football team in a American because of their defense. USC has allowed 10 or less points in 8 of their last 9 games overall, including 3 shutout wins along the way. Penn State will not score 10 points in this contest, and USC will put up at least 28 to run away with it.
3.) System Play. We’ll Play On – Favorites of 3.5 to 10 points (USC) – after allowing 9 points or less last game against opponent after scoring 24 points or more in the first half last game. This is a 54-23 ATS System hitting 70.1% since 1992. This is a home game for USC and Penn State will have to travel clear across the country only to get handed their worst beating of the season. The Trojans should be a much heavier favorite against Penn State after the 35-3 beating they put on Ohio State earlier this season, and that’s why this is such a line mistake. Bet USC in the Rose Bowl playing at home.