Fresno State Bulldogs vs USC Trojans Point Spread Picks

Nice to see you again! Fresno State opens at #15 USC here, and these teams met the last game in a 45-20 USC rout in the Las Vegas bowl. And that was when Fresno had the #1 passing offense in the nation behind QB Derek Carr, who's now in the NFL. USC led 35-6 at the half on a neutral field and ended up with an edge in yards 499-253. The Bulldogs are 16-37-1 ATS in their last 54 games on grass. Coach Tim DeRuyter is now rebuilding and it looks like a down year for the Bulldogs. Fresno is 1-4 ATS in non-conference games, plus 2-6 ATS against the PAC-12. Meanwhile USC is loaded with eight starters back on offense, seven on defense and has home field. In addition, the Trojans have a new coach in Steve Sarkisian, who did a great job at Washington and was a much sought after hire. Sarkisian's introduction of a hurry-up, no-huddle scheme dominated offseason chatter. QB Cody Kessler tore up this Fresno defense, with a Las Vegas Bowl record four touchdown passes - all in the first half. Kessler finished completing 22 of 30 passes for 344 yards. USC is on a 5-2 ATS run and 4-1 ATS in their last five home games and will be sky-high for their new coach. Go with the Trojans.

LAST VEGAS BOWL
This is an matchup of an offensive-minded Fresno State and their high-octane passing attack vs USC, a team with a a solid defense (especially in the secondary). Fresno State, at 11-1, can only think of what could have been if they could have gotten by San Jose State. The Bulldogs went down to defeat 52-42 to put an end to being a BCS buster. USC has had a disruptive season, and will be playing this game with their third head coach. They did not respond to Lane Kiffin, but did for Ed Orgeron. Orgeron is now gone and offensive coordinator Clay Helton will serve as interim Bowl coach. The Trojans' offense responded well to him, so they should be interested here. In their six road games USC averaged 36.8 points and on turf they got 41 per game while holding opponents to juts 18 per game. I think that Fresno State will get their points, but their defense simply can't stop anyone, and the Trojans have significantly improved on that side of the ball since the beginning of the season. I think the fact that Fresno State is playing USC will diminish the prospects of them being a no show, so the spread could come into play here. But in the end the Trojans are too strong and should come away with the victory. Take USC on the moneyline.