First move (USC favored by) from 9 to 16, then overnight and this AM from 16 to 19' and then 20 - an 11 point jump!!!
First I checked to see if there was any key Cal player ruled out due to injury or suspension, and NOTHING. Then I checked USC injuries, and noticed 3 starters (most significantly WR Ju Ju Smith) upgraded from ??? to Probable
10/26/16
|
WR
|
JuJu Smith
|
Back
|
is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. California
|
10/26/16
|
S
|
Ykili Ross
|
Shoulder
|
is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. California
|
10/26/16
|
LB
|
Michael Hutchings
|
Shoulder
|
is upgraded to probable Thursday vs. California
|
Usually what happens in these big line move situations, especially if it’s a dreaded “steam move” rather than an actual injury keeping a key player out of the game, is that the final margin falls within the big “window” between original line and the inflated line (e.g., a 17 point USC win in this instance), and the “sheep” who follow the line move end up getting screwed - Baaaa!!
But this isn't a typical line jump, and the books are BEGGING us to take CAL with all that "chalk" (and last time I checked, the books still weren't giving money away).
I do know the Cal coach was complaining about the scheduling ( and he has a valid concern about his team's fatigue level, especially on defense, after Cal was involved in a two OT late nite "track meet" last Friday nite against high-scoring, fast paced Oregon), but at least that game LW was at home and on a Friday nite, not away and/or on a Saturday. And while that may have been a reason to take a look at USC at the opening line, it in NO WAY justifies SC being 20 point faves?
So what's the deal with the big line jump?
Memo to Cal Coach Sonny Dykes - NOT smart for a head coach to make excuses BEFORE the game, because that gives the team a negative mind set heading into the game - plenty of time for that AFTER the game, IF you lose.
Great Owl