The Terps are good, but maybe not as good as that 101-75 Sunday romp past weak Iowa would suggest. Most of Maryland's Big Ten games have been competitive, and fundamentals vs. the Trojans indicate much the same. Recently-rampaging 6-10 Terp frosh Derik Queen could get an argument from a hardscrabble SC frontline that put the clamps on Minnesota's 6-11 Dawson Garcia last weekend. USC is whole with top scorer Desmond Claude (ex-Xavier;16 ppg) back to active duty. Eric Musselman has several other slashers who play downhill from the perimeter, and the Trojans have Big Ten road wins at Illinois and Nebraska. As long as SC isn't too drained from another long road trip, this one stays competitive at College Park. Play USC.

After a taut game vs. Minnesota, expect a return to over ways for the Trojans (10-1 over prior to the Gophers). Especially here, as the Terps like to run as much as the Trojans, with an 83.5 ppg offense (ranks 13th nationally) and overs in nine of twelve. Maryland has giddy-up, especially with five double-digit scorers on hand for Kevin Willard. The Terps not only go fast, they can can shoot...48.8% FGs (ranks 20th nationally) and 37.4% beyond the arc. Flamethrower Belmont transfer G Ja'Kobi Gillespie just fired in 26 points in Sunday's 101-75 romp past Iowa. Meanwhile, top SC scorer Desmond Claude (ex-Xavier; 16 ppg) has recently returned to active duty, giving Troy a better chance to chase this game. Play USC-Maryland Over.

Terps are 9-3 to the over in their last 12 games (and over by multiple possessions in 8 of those games). Highest scoring starting 5 in the nation and capable of scoring 100 at home. Trojans are over in 13 of their last 16 games. Since almost blowing a late nine-point lead at home to Nebraska, Maryland game totals are: 176, 158, 171, 143, 141, 157, 161. Average total: 158. Terps' overall defensive rankings look good but attention to detail has slipped, vulnerable to slow starts in their own end and turnovers. USC averaging 75/G in Big 10 and should get there here. Holding UMD below 85 is quite a chore. I expect another game in the 160s for Maryland, especially coming off a rest.