USC Trojans at Hawaii Warriors 2010 NCAAF Week 1 Odds, Preview, and Predictions: Head football coach Lane Kiffin takes over the preseason ranked 19 USC from Pete Carroll who departed just prior to NCAA sanctions leaving the team without an opportunity for a post season bowl. Kiffin was left with just 70 talented scholarship players heading into the opener at Hawaii. “I do get a sense from the players that they have an us-against-the-world mentality, that everybody is counting them out,” Kiffin said. “I don’t really look at it that way or emphasize that, but I think it’s helping some of our players.” The Trojans are 6-0 versus the Warriors and have scored a whopping 60+ points in the last three contests. Vegas odds makers have the USC Trojans a -21 1/2 point favorite on the road against the Hawaii Warriors.
Returning to start at quarterback is sophomore Matt Barkley who threw for 2,735 yards, 15 TDs and 14 picks as well as leading USC to an Emerald Bowl victory over Boston College. Barkley needs to increase his consistency and cut down on the interceptions but is still a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Starting at tailback will be Marc Tyler who sat out the majority of 2009 with a foot injury. Tyler beat out senior tailback Allen Bradford who led the Trojans in rushing last season. Vegas oddsmakers have Matt Barkley at 30/1 odds to win the Heisman Trophy.
Head football coach Greg McMackin has his work cut out early, after finishing 6-7 and sitting out the bowl season for the 1st time since the 2005 season, they start with USC, then have to travel to Army as well as Colorado to start this year’s campaign. “We’ve got a competitive beginning with those three games,” coach Greg McMackin said. “It’s going to be a challenging schedule, but I think that we have the players to win.” The Warriors return starting quarterback junior Bryant Moniz who had 2,396 yards passing with 14 tds and 10 picks in 8 games last season. Wide out Greg Salas returns as Moniz’s favorite target as he had 106 receptions for an outstanding 1,590 yards in 2009. Odds makers at BetUS have the over/under for the total score at 54 points combined of the USC Trojans and Hawaii Warriors.
Despite the exodus of players and NCAA sanctions the Trojans are more physical and talented as well as having a bit of a chip on their shoulders. Look for USC to win handedly so give the points. The game can be seen on ESPN at 11:00 PM ET. Note: Rich Fritz is a Blog Writer on NSAwins.com and not a pro handicapper. For expert College Football Picks against the vegas spreads please visit the NSAwins.com homepage for top predictions today from the National Sports Advisors.