Background:USC leads series 10-2
Illonois has won its last 4
USC has won its last 4
Illinois advantages:
They beat the number one team in the country
They are 5th in the nation in rushing being led by Rashard Mendenhall and Juice
Michigan beat Florida so the PAC 10 looks stronger then expected
They have the 19th best total defense in the country
They have a QB named Juice
Illinois disadvantages:
They have a sub par passing game
This is their first bowl in 6 years so inexperience could be a factor
As the 13th ranked team in the country they are lucky to be in a BCS game
USC advantages:
Since their loss to Stanford they are 6-1 and +103 in points
They have a fantastic offense putting up no less then 17 points all season
They have allowed the 4th fewest points in the D1
They are USC meaning they have experience, are well coached, and are extremely talented
USC disadvantages:
They lost to the Christmas Tess which could haunt USC only a week after Christmas
Despite their offense being consistent they are not in the top ten in any offensive categories
Chess Comparison:USC is Vladimir Kramnik who is a fantastic defender and used to winning, Illinois is Magnus Carlsen, the 17 year old prodigy who is getting closer and closer to joining the elite.
Projections:
Jason Frost:USC. Despite Florida's loss to Michigan, I am still not certain about the PAC TEN. This match up looks to be a mismatch with one of the hottest teams in the country, that has proven their ability to stop the run playing against the team that should not be in the BCS and has no passing attack. Look for the experienced Trojans to win big 31-14.
Zorgon: Illinois. USC has looked weak to me all season, and Illinois has a guy named Juice Williams! Juice Williams! That alone is enough to win. In all reality, if Illinois can get their offense going, I'm sure they can beat the stumbling USC, who is oozing with talent every which direction.
Bottom Line: USC 1, Illinois 1
