20 Dec 10 College Football Odds: UCLA Getting a Touchdown Against USC

Give me something to cheer for!Ronald Martinez/Getty ImagesThirty-three years of PAC-10 conference competition will come to end on Saturday night when the Bruins host the Trojans in the 71st meeting between the two schools, they last before Colorado and Utah join the newly mathematically correct Pac-12 in 2011.USC leads the all time series 42 to 28 with seven ties and has won 10 of the last 11 meetings against UCLA, with the Bruins lone win coming in a 2006, in a game at the Rose Bowl by a 13-9 margin.Our college football odds show the Trojans as -6 ½ over the Bruins with a game total of 54.It’s been a disappointing season for UCLA’s Rick Neuheisal as the Bruins wrap up a season that has shown little signs of progress.After suffering through two straight losses to begin this year’s campaign, the Bruins miraculously sprang to life with three straight shockers against Houston, Texas, and Washington, before going on another three game skid, losing five of its final six heading into Saturday’s season finale.Injuries have taken any wind that may have started to fill the Bruins sails, including a major setback when starting QB Kevin Prince was sidelined for the remainder of the season after exploratory arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in October. No. 2 quarterback Richard Brehaut was thrust into the new Bruins offense, and after starting in just a few games himself suffered a concussion in a game against Washington two weeks ago. Last Friday however, a healthy Brehaut bounced back breaking Troy Aikman’s school record for 33 completions in a single game in a 55-34 loss at Arizona State.But you can’t just blame the sophomore for the Bruins woes. More fault could nfl jerseybe put on the UCLA defense that has been giving it up 30.5 points and 415.2 yards per game. Not good when your offense is averaging just 20.7 points per game and 312.9 yards per contest.However, there is an upside to the Bruins offense. It’s running game, led by back Jonathan Franklin who has at times carried the entire offense New Orleans Saints jerseyon his shoulders. The sophomore speedster has rushed for 1,018 yards and seven touchdowns. He is flanked by Derrick Coleman who has also contributed in the effort with 462 yards and five touchdowns, and he averages 6.1 yards per carry. Meanwhile, WR Taylor Embree leads the team in receptions with just 25 for 333 yards, but is still without a touchdown, which illustrates just who abysmal the passing attack has been.As for USC, well it hasn’t been a dream season either for first year head coach Lane Kiffin. The Trojans are feeling the ramifications of NCAA sanctions that have resulted in a tormented program.The Trojans will likely return QB Matt Barkley, who missed the Notre Dame game last week with a sprained ankle. He should have little trouble carving up the UCLA secondary that will likely be creeping up to help stop running back Mark Tyler who leads the team in rushing with 868 yards Chicago Bears jerseyand nine touchdowns. All that ground commotion could open passing lanes for Barkley to connect with leading receivers Robert Woods and Ronald Johnson.As good as the offense has been, which is ordinary at best, like the Bruins, you have to place a large amount of blame for the Trojans losses on a defense that has given up big points this season, and have allowed 20 or more points in seven of their last eight games.This contest is shaping up to be somewhat of a scoring fest as neither team’s defense is really capable of stopping any sustained attack. However, the flip side is two mediocre offenses. Based on that, the return of USC’s Barkley gives the Trojans the edge in this one.Matt’s Free Prediction: USC 31, UCLA 27Interested in making some money this college football season? Check out what our expert college football handicappers have to offer in their weekly college football picks.