Utah (0-4 ATS) has a small advantage coming off a bye, but where will the players' heads be as this is the team's first game since mega-popular defensive back Aaron Lowe was shot and killed? His funeral is Monday. The Utes are always incredibly tough to beat at home but are 0-2 on the road this year and have yet to win at USC since joining the Pac-12. The Trojans have been very schizo, but if the team shows up that rolled at Colorado last Saturday, then USC easily covers.

This is more of a feel play than a numbers play. Utah isn't a great team this season, but they're still physical. Physicality is something that this USC team has struggled with in recent years. In fact, I'd call it the hallmark of the Clay Helton era. I think the Utes punch USC in the mouth, and I haven't seen USC show an ability to take a punch.

Utah is allowing 4.1 yards per play while USC is allowing 5.8 yards per play this season. Utah will be playing this revenge game with two weeks to prepare. Utah is 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 ATS after its bye week of late. Utah also is 12-4 straight-up and 11-5 ATS against the Pac-12 over the past three seasons. Utah is 9-1 straight-up and 9-1 ATS off a win against a conference rival. USC is just 5-8 ATS in that same role. The bottom line is we're getting three points with the better offensive line and better overall defense. I'm on the Utes.