USC football remains a two-touchdown underdog to Alabama for the 2016 season opener according to updated odds from 5Dimes.
The odds are not in USC football’s favor.
The Trojans are 13-point underdogs to Alabama for the 2016 season opener in Arlington, Texas, according to 5Dimes.
The sportsbook had originally set the line between USC and Alabama at 14 points back in January, so at the very least that deficit is shrinking.
Still, the Trojans look to be at a decided disadvantage when they take the field against the Crimson Tide on September 3rd, at least as the oddsmakers see it.
Last month USC completed a productive spring camp, enjoying standout performances from the receiving corps and discovering break out options at defensive tackle and linebacker.
However, the emergence of Malik Dorton on the defensive line couldn’t mask the increasingly concerning prospects of the Trojan defensive front, especially after Kenny Bigelow was lost to a season ending injury midway through camp.
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The great equalizer for the match up may be the lingering questions which remain about the quarterback position at both programs. The Trojans remain undecided between veteran back up Max Browne and dynamic newcomer Sam Darnold.
Meanwhile, Lane Kiffin’s offense could be headed by one of Cooper Bateman, David Cornwell, Blake Barnett or Jalen Hurts. The elder statesman, Bateman, like Browne, appears to be ahead.
USC and Alabama already played out one battle this spring in the recruiting race for Hawaiian quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Tide secured Tagovailoa’s commitment on Monday night, though USC had been considered the favorite to sign the dual-threat star earlier in the year.