The 2009 Rose Bowl will pit the explosive offense of the Penn State Nittany Lions vs. the USC Trojans and the best defense in the nation on the grass field in Pasadena, California.
Our team of writers and handicappers break down the matchup and hand out a Rose Bowl Free Pick, which takes place Thursday January 1 at 5:00PM ET.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sports Interaction have made USC -9 point spread favorite. The over/under for this game has been set 45 total points.
Top Public Betting Trend: Penn State is 4-2 against the number in its last six games and 12-1 straight up in its last 13 games. USC is just 2-4 against the spread in their last six contests.
Key Stat: The Trojans have held opponents to a staggering 7.8 points per game this year and limited them to just 122.8 passing and 83.3 rushing yards per contest this season.
Game Outlook: Of the five BCS Bowl games this season, this could be the one that could have the potential for a blowout. A lot of bettors will look at the numbers Penn State put up offensively this year and jump on the 10 points. But college football hasn’t witnessed a defense as good as USC’s in quite some time. The Trojans have one of the fastest and most talented defensive units in the nation and certainly the best trio of linebackers in the country. They also have two safeties that can blanket the field and certainly fluster PSU quarterback Daryll Clark. While Joe Paterno’s bunch has been outstanding this year, Iowa proved that it could slow down the Lions’ explosive offense. And now Penn State has to go into Pasadena to take on a Trojan team that’s allowing only 7.8 points a season? Forget it. True, USC beat up some garbage teams this year in the Pac-10. But when Pete Carroll’s team is motivated, they’re incredibly hard to stop and despite what the BCS standings suggest, USC might even be the best team in the nation. As long as Mark Sanchez can limit the mistakes, the Trojans should roll in this game. Lay the points – USC is that good. For the rest of our College Football Bowl Free Pick, see below.
Our Free College Football Bowl Pick for the Rose Bowl matchup between the Penn State Nittany Lions and USC Trojans game is
USC TROJANS -9
TheSpread.com Projected Final Score
USC Trojans 33
Penn State Nittany Lions 16
We also predict that this game will GO OVER THE TOTAL (45 Sports Interaction.com) SET BY ODDSMAKERS
Looks like I am gonna need a bail out special on this game. 😀
USC 2nd Half -4'.
I went over 21.5
I think USC keeps the heat on and will try and light up the scoreboard
I would have been shopping for a new TV if Penn St scores at the end. 😀