Stanford vs. USC

You need a great defense in championship games and Stanford has one once again, ranking #25 in the nation in points allowed. They've also had USC's number over the years, winning seven of the past 10 games against the Trojans. That included going 3-1 SU/ATS the last three years, winning 27-10 last year and twice in 2015, winning 41-31 as a +9.5 dog and 41-22, the latter in the Pac 12 title game. Stanford has won eight of its past nine when following a 38-20 victory against #17 Notre Dame last Saturday. Sophomore QB K.J. Costello (9 TDs, 2 INTs) replaced senior Keller Chryst four games ago and is coming off his best performance, throwing for 176 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions against the Fighting Irish. The Cardinal have a strong front line and a dependable secondary led by strong safety Justin Reid, the conference's co-leader in interceptions with five. The Cardinal are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 neutral-site games. Southern California ranks #60 in the nation in points allowed (26.2 points per game) and #80 in yards allowed. The Trojans are on a 2-7-1 spread run and have failed to cover five straight neutral-site contests, so back the talented defense in this rivalry game and play Stanford.