NCAAF BOWL ODDS

Michigan Wolverines vs Southern California Trojans

It is a sad fact that the most historic Bowl can be aptly named the disappointment bowl for both teams, as one should have been playing for the title and the other feels like they still should be. USC had a ticket to the BCS Championship game punched until cross-town rivals UCLA in the season finale shocked them. Michigan, and many fans, think that there should be a rematch between Michigan and Ohio State for the BCS Championship. But with the BSC and the craziness of its system they will be playing in the Rose Bowl. Michigan has more to lose as they still have an outside shot at the national title as USC did in 2003 when they were left out of the BCS Championship game. For this reason and the fact that the Wolverines play a tougher schedule they will come out on top even though they are technically the "visiting" team, hey the game is in Pasadena. It is an interesting fact that neither team ranked in the top 20 in the nation in per game passing yards, rushing yards, points scored, and total yards.

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USC has to step it up to play like they were the whole season before the final shocker. They are led by quarterback John David Booty, 2956 yds 25 TD's 9 INT's, who has filled in admirably for the departed Matt Leinart. Their offensive line is finally coming together and their receivers are finally healthy and boast the best corps in the nation with Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith and Patrick Turner. The Trojan's Chauncey Washington, 736 yds 9 TD's, will have to have to get through the tough Michigan defense that was dominant until they faced Heisman winner Troy Smith and Ohio State. If Smith doesn't the Michigan D can drop back on Booty and it will be a long day for the Trojans. On defense the Trojans run a hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme and they have the best linebacking trio in the nation with Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga and Dallas Sartz. These three will have to have a big day for the Trojans to win.

Michigan was headed for the BCS Championship game but had to play Ohio State in the season finale. Tough to be headed to the BCS be undefeated and lose the number one team in the country, then not get a chance for payback. USC will get the brunt of their anger and frustration. Their offense revolves around Mike Hart, 1515 yds 14 TD's. Their quarterback Chad Henne, 2199 yds 20 TD's 7 INT's, is not a spectacular quarterback but an effective passer in the run oriented offense. Henne's best target is Mario Manningham who is the nations premier vertical threat. On defense the Wolverines use a base 4-3 alignment but sometimes change to a 3-4. Many opposing offense have focus on 330 lb DT Alan Branch. But their main run stopper is Dave Harris. They are also led on the line by Lamarr Woodley and Prescott Burgess. In the secondary Leaon Hall is one of the best cover men in the nation but he is only one and the whole secondary will have to step-up against the Trojan's receivers. Michigan wants to show the nation that they should be the National Champs and they might, as after this game they will be smelling like roses.

Game Pick: Michigan - 1