Stanford Cardinals looking for revenge against USC Trojans Sept. 6
By Ian Palmer
The USC Trojans struggled a bit last season, but one of the team’s highlights was beating the Stanford Cardinals. They’ll be hoping history repeats itself this Saturday afternoon, September 6 when they meet the Trojans again. Last year’s loss was devastating to Stanford as it meant they had no chance to reach the national championship game. This contest will take place at Stanford Stadium though and that could be the edge the Cardinal need to exact their revenge.
Bet365’s College Football Betting Lines have USC (+2.5) at 10/11 and Stanford (-2.5) at 10/11. The over is 55.0 at 10/11 with the under of 55.0 at 10/11.
The Trojans thumped Fresno State 52-13 in their season opener last weekend with quarterback Cody Kessler and receiver Nelson Agholor leading the way. Agholor was on the end of two of Kessler’s four touchdown passes and the pair played well together. USC has now gone 8-1 in their past nine contests and are 7-3 ATS over their past 10. The Trojans aren’t just a two-man team though as wide receivers Darreus Rogers, Adoree Jackson, JuJu Smith, and tight end Bryce Dixon combined on 241 receiving yards against Fresno State with a couple of touchdowns to boot.
This gives Kessler several options if Stanford’s defense happens to keep Agholor in check. USC could be missing Tre Madden for this game though as he’s still out with a foot injury and the backfield depth could suffer because of it. Javorious Allen rushed for 133 yards in week one and scored a touchdown while freshman James Toland and sophomore Justin Davis combined for just 77 yards on their 24 carries.
In total, USC racked up 792 yards in the game against Fresno State and it’s going to be hard for Stanford to slow them down. The Cardinals played the UC Davis Aggies in week one and laid a 45-0 beating on them, but this week’s showdown is definitely going to be a lot tougher even though Stanford’s defense did limit the Aggies to just 115 yards. Stanford will likely try to stop Kessler and the Trojan’s aerial attack. Stanford’s defensive line is experienced with several seniors and their play will be a major factor in this game.
In addition, the secondary needs to play well. Stanford should try to force Kessler into handing the ball to his backfield as often as possible so he can’t throw it to his receivers. Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan will need to have a good game if his squad’s offense plans on doing some damage to USC’s defense. Hogan played well last weekend as he passed for three touchdowns and 204 yards. Ty Montgomery had five receptions for 77 yards and also added a touchdown.
Stanford is 4-1 against USC in their past five meetings and have gone 9-1 at home in their last 10 games. However, this game is going to be difficult for them to win.