Game Predictions: USC vs. Stanford

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIREAlicia de Artola: USC wins 35-20The Trojans have all the motivation in the world for this game and Stanford is just not as strong as they were with Andrew Luck. The first road conference game has been a bit of a trap for recent Trojan teams, but this is also a different kind of game than usual. Matt Barkley and this class of seniors have never beaten Stanford. This is their last chance and that added motivation will be the deciding factor in this game. Barkley will need to perform like the potential Heisman winner he is, and Lee and Woods will need to once again light it up as the Trojans get their revenge for a tough overtime loss last year.

Charles Gilmore: USC wins 31-20The Trojans will bring their A game to The Farm this weekend. I am looking for the Trojans to finally establish their identity this year and send a message to the Pac-12 and to other teams in the hunt for the BCS Championship. Look for a balanced offensive attack of 35 run plays and 30 passes, along with improved situational play calling. Defensively look for Monte Kiffin to make the necessary adjustments to clean up some cover problems at the corner spot opposite Nickell Robey and for the defense to fly around with some enthusiasm, pride, and a focus. The defense should be full strength with all the starters available. I have the Trojans 31-14.

Trenise Ferreira: USC wins 35-17Matt Barkley is 0-3 against Stanford for his career, but this year he will hit the jackpot against the Cardinal. In this game, USC will set the tone for how they will handle Pac-12 play, and they will do so convincingly. Stanford is facing the Trojans without Andrew Luck and with QBJosh Nunes, in what will only be the third game of his career. The USC defense will give him a warm welcome to the Pac-12, getting pressure on him and forcing him to throw the ball into the secondary’s hands. Furthermore, Stanford won’t be able to stop USC’s run game or passing attack, and the Trojans will walk away from this one with smiles on their faces for the first time in four years.