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USC Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2018

By Darrelle Thompson

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks on from the sidelines against the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 01: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks on from the sidelines against the Stanford Cardinal during the Pac-12 Football Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on December 1, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Trojans won the game 31-28. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

USC will be rolling by the time its faces off against Cal at home. This is year two under head coach Justin Wilcox and the Golden Bears do return about 18 starters from the offense and defense.

The key question will be if Cal quarterback Ross Bowers can’t keep his starting job in his battle with former top 10 recruit Brandon McIlwain (South Carolina transfer). Bowers played above average last season throwing 18 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions and completed nearly 60 Percent of his passes.

I do expect McIlwain to see some playing time and it wouldn’t surprise me if his ability to escape the pocket will come into play at some point during the game.

One key player on Cal’s offense that USC will have to focus on is running back Patrick Laird. He ran for over 1,000 yards and averaged almost 6.0 yards per carry last season. The Trojans shut him down last year and will look to do it again.

After rolling against the Beavers the offense will continue to click on all cylinders against the Golden Bears. If JT Daniels can keep Jaylin Hawkins from making plays in the secondary the Trojans should put this game away in the fourth quarter.

Don’t be surprised if Cameron Smith ends up with the 15-tackle performance as I think the Trojans will smother Cal’s offense in this game.

Prediction: California 14, USC 31 (9-1, 7-1 Pac-12)

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