No. 14 Southern Cal @ No. 13 Stanford (-2.5) TV: ABC 3:30 pm Saturday
Daniel: Stanford has won 17 straight at home, but did lose at USC last year, snapping a four-game winning streak in the series. The Trojans have some weapons. Quarterback Cody Kessler got off to a hot start against Fresno State. Receivers JuJu Smith and Nelson Agholor also had big games in the opener. And remember former Tennessee top recruiting target Adoree Jackson? He’s playing offense, defense and special teams for the Trojans and making an impact. They’ll test Stanford, but the Cardinal defense, combined with the steady hand of quarterback Kevin Hogan, will get the job done at home. Winner: Stanford 24-20
Houston: This is the game of the week in my opinion and I think it lives up to the billing. Stanford is a big, physical, power football team and USC is bringing in a fast-paced offense with athletes all over the field. These contrasting styles always make for some really exciting football games. USC lit it up last week as they piled up over 700 yards off offense against Fresno State, while Stanford was able to hold UC Davis to a mere 115 yards in a shutout. This will be one of the most exciting games of the week – perhaps of the entire football season – and I’m going to go with the home team’s balance and strong defense over the visitor’s offense and playmakers. Winner: Stanford 33-24
Reed: Stanford has won five out of the last seven in this series and is 18-1 in their last 19 home games. Southern Cal has a potentially explosive offense and Stanford lost nearly 70% of its defensive production, but David Shaw is really tough at home and Stanford’s offense should be able to put up enough points to make up for any busts on defense. Also of note: New USC head coach Steve Sarkisian was less than stellar at Washington on the road. Stanford makes just enough plays to win if USC plays well and wins big if they don’t. Winner: Stanford 31-24
Blake: What a month this has been for the Trojans. USC endured the whole Josh Shaw saga, then another player accused Sarkisian of being a racist, but hey they’re a top 15 team. Stanford is also a top 15 team and has been to the Rose Bowl the past two seasons. Stanford beat UC Davis 45-0 on Saturday, while USC beat Fresno State 52-13. The Trojans look much improved but Stanford looks just as good as they have the past few seasons. Stanford still has Kevin Hogan at the helm and oh yeah the Cardinal have a Barry Sanders in the backfield. Give me Stanford. Winner: Stanford 34-24
