USC Football: Staff predictions vs. California Bears

The USC football team is already bowl eligible this season and with an extremely small chance of winning the PAC-12 South, the Trojans must win out.

The USC football team is in second place in the PAC-12 South and is going to need a miracle to win the division. The Trojans are one game back of the Utah Utes and if they can win out, and Utah losses one of the last two, then the Trojans can win the division because of the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The only problem is that the Utes end the season with the UCLA Bruins, Arizona Wildcats and Colorado Buffaloes. Not necessarily a murderer’s row of competition.

The Trojans can only control what they can control though and just need to go out and win these last two games, starting this Saturday against the California Golden Bears. Here is how the LA Sports Hub staff sees this game shaking out.

Jamaal Artis (7-8): 75-7, USC (Not a misprint)

The USC Trojans face a stiff test in the form of the California Golden Bears. Full disclosure I went to Cal, therefore I’m confident the Trojans can handle the game easily.

Yes, the Bears possess a stout defense coming off a strong win against the Washington State Cougars. But it’s Cal based on personal experience they’ll blow this game.

Kedon Slovis will probably throw for 10 touchdowns because it’s Cal. Regardless of the outcome, I’d suspect Trojans fans are counting the days to the end of the Clay Helton era.

Hil Lopez (7-9): 27-23, USC

USC is coming off a hard-fought division win 31-26 against Arizona St on the road last week. This week they face the Cal Bears who are 5-4 overall, but 2-4 in conference play.

USC has been the better team this year both offensively and defensively and that will not change in this matchup. They are trying to solidify their bowl game chances and should win this game even though they are on the road.

Redan Lopez (11-6): 30-20, USC

The Trojans are coming off a close win against Arizona State and need this victory to keep pace with UCLA and Utah. They are going to get it as the Trojans will be the hungrier team.

The Golden Bears have been up and down offensively the entire season, and have only scored more than 20 points in one of their last five games, their only victory.

Look for Golden Bears’ offensive struggles to continue. The stage is set for USC to win the Pac-12 South with a little help from Utah.

Jason Reed (10-7): 28-10, USC

I really don’t think this game is going to be close, although I cannot muster up the courage to go with a 75-7 pick, as did Jamaal.

USC should be able to drive against the Cal defense, although it has looked promising. On the other side of the ball, the USC football team will get the job done to cruise to an easy 18-point victory.