BEST LINES:  Pinnacle +157 BET365 +150 SportsInteraction +1555DIMES +156

Posted at 11:15 PM EST.

2:30 PM EST. Scandal and USC go together like murder and O.J. Simpson. The latest out of Trojan country is that both leading scorer Chimezie Metu and the recently injured Bennie Boatwright had their names leaked in a report detailing the FBI's ongoing investigation into NCAA corruption. It will be up to the Trojans if they want to suspend their best player, but USC has typically been conservative on these matters, and this small line suggests that Metu will likely sit out today. That bad press and Metu's benching will only influence the market to fade USC. Further lessening the Trojans appeal will be there recent record against Utah, which is a disappointing 1-8 over the last nine meetings. The Trojans are just 3-3 over their last six games, but this team is scoring in bunches which should serve them well against a home side that allows almost 70 points per game, which is good for last in the Pac-12.

The Utes are rolling with eight wins over their last 10 games, but with a run like that comes inflated prices. Utah is now on the NCAA Tournament bubble, which is something it could not have said before this impressive run, as this program was on the heels of four straight losses to start the New Year. Winning isn't easy on any level, and you're going to need some good fortune along the way, and that was the case in Utah's 84-78 win over UCLA last time out. The Utes played a horrible second half but got a pair of clutch three-pointers late to not only win but cover as a 2½-point home favorite. Utah is the hottest team in the Pac-12, which makes us instant sellers while USC’s stock has crashed this week, which makes us buyers.

Open an account today at Pinnacle Sports and take advantage of their -104 style pricing on sides and totals, which is 60% better than other sportsbooks.