USC at Minnesota

The Lane Kiffin era has begun at USC, and the Trojans are out of the gate 2-0. That only tells part of the story. The Trojans may be 2-0, but their first two opponents were soft, and they were three-TD favorites in both games. The scoreboard may read 2-0, but the Trojans, vs. inferior competition, were outgained in both games - a mark of a very overrated team, disguised by public perception and a 2-0 record. They simply aren't a tough team right now. The Golden Gophers are not exactly coming off a gem as they lost to South Dakota and were pedestrian vs. Middle Tennessee State. Unlike the Trojans however, the Golden Gophers out-gained both opponents, and the energy will be much higher facing the Trojans. Last year they beat South Dakota State at home by 3, and beat Air Force by 7, lost to Wisconsin and Illinois by just 3. They took down Michigan State and Purdue here. USC simply doesn't scare people the way they used to. Minnesota QB Adam Weber said this week, "I can guarantee we're not going to go in there (against USC) scared. We're going to go in there 110 percent and give them the best we've got." I don't think Minnesota will be playing for a Big-10 Championship this year, but the Trojans are not what most think they are and will have a tough time topping a big number on the road here. USC is 1-8 ATS since last season after a win. I like Minnesota in this one.