Southern California’s Taylor McNamara, second right, celebrates his pass reception touchdown with quarterback Cody Kessler, third right, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, right, and guard Toa Lobendahn, rear right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015 | 2:08 p.m.
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USC minus-3.5 vs. Wisconsin: $330 to win $300
Even under ideal circumstances, Wisconsin isn’t a team that strikes any fear into me. And these are far from ideal circumstances.
The Badgers are traveling over two time zones to take on a team that’s playing a short ride down the I-5 away from their home. The Trojans are also the much better team.
They underachieved this season, to be certain, with an 8-5 straight-up record, but it’s unlikely Wisconsin would have fared any better against USC’s schedule. By Football Outsiders’ FEI ratings, USC played the second toughest slate of opponents in the nation.
Wisconsin had the 52nd ranked strength of schedule. The Badgers emerged as one of the best defensive teams in the nation, giving up only 4.2 yards per play, but they haven't played a single high-powered offense since getting destroyed 35-17 to Alabama in the opening week.
USC quarterback Cody Kessler and receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster should present a tough matchup for a secondary that hasn’t seen anyone on their level all season. Wisconsin is punchless on offense, sitting at 88th in the nation gaining 5.1 yards per play.
Worst-case scenario, it’s a close game and USC has a shot at the backdoor cover.
Current Standings (as of July 1): Brewer (28-24, $9,970), Bern (18-28, $5,435), Keefer (21-36-2, $4,251)
Lifetime standings: 2014-15 Champion Bern (98-101-1), Keefer (104-119-4), Brewer (97-112-2)
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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