Santa Clara Broncos vs USC Trojans Point Spread Picks

Santa Clara is off to an impressive, 6-1 start to the season. Herb Sendek returned four starters, and perhaps what is most impressive is this team has shot just 41% from the field and 25% from deep, and still has managed to win six of seven games. The reason is they have been among the top teams in the country defending, allowing just 34.7% shooting against them, and just 30% from deep. They also have already had four games turning the ball over 10 times or less. USC is 4-1 on the season and has conference play that begins next game. I think the Broncos have the right elements here to keep this game in single digits. Make the play on Santa Clara.

USC Coach Andy Enfield is best remembered for his Florida Gulf Coast NCAA Tournament team AKA labeled Dunk City, and upsets. This year he has USC back in contention in the Pac-12 Conference. While his Trojans are off three straight losses, they were to Oklahoma, SMU, and Texas A&M. I expect a full defensive effort here tonight vs. a much lesser opponent in Santa Clara. The Trojans have faced just three teams outside the ranks of Power Six Conferences and have smothered them, allowing just 56.7 points per game. Santa Clara has yet to face any power conference opponents, and has scored 63 or fewer four times. I think this one is put away early and the garbage time is usually not conducive for a lot of scoring. Play this one to finish UNDER.