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Pac-12: Week four predictions, previews, and picks against the spread

By Brenton Lillie

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Sep 19, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler (6) throws a pass against the Stanford Cardinal at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

USC Trojans At Arizona State Sun Devils

Tempe, Arizona

The Line: USC -6

The Trojans are trying to pick themselves up off the ground after an embarrassing home loss to the Stanford Cardinal. Arizona State, on the other sideline, is still looking to piece together a complete game after an uninspiring 34-10 victory over New Mexico. Both teams are trying to find themselves, and this game is vital to both programs. A loss here, and the season is suddenly spiraling downward, while a win will revitalize hopes of a South division title.

Keys To The Game:

Mike Bercovici was unstoppable when these two teams met in 2014, throwing for 510 yards and five touchdowns in a thrilling last second victory for the Sun Devils. The win gave an ailing squad renewed hopes for a special season and was easily the biggest victory for Arizona State in 2014. USC would go on to lose twice more, ending up with a disappointing 8-4 regular season.

The Trojans are looking for revenge in this one, while Bercovici and the Sun Devils are just looking to get their groove back. Ever since a season opening loss to Texas A&M, the Sun Devils have struggled to find their offensive footing, as preseason hype about Bercovici has evaporated along with the championship hopes of Sun Devil fans everywhere. If any team can bring back the 2014 version of the Sun Devil quarterback, it would be Trojans.

The Prediction:

Associate head coach and Sun Devil offensive coordinator Mike Norvell finally opens up the playbook and plays to Bercovici’s strengths, resulting in some explosive plays in the passing game. The Sun Devil offensive line, however, falters and the Arizona State quarterback finds himself under duress for much of the game. On the other side of the field, Trojan quarterback Cody Kessler takes advantage of the blitz-happy Sun Devils defense to make some big plays of his own, and this one goes down to the wire.

Unfortunately for the home crowd, there is no repeat of the Jael-mary of 2014, as a late comeback ends with consecutive quarterback sacks by USC.

Final score: USC 38, Arizona State 31.

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