Earlier this week, The Post asked members of the Syracuse football team the following question: What is the first word that pops into your mind when you think of the USC football team?
“Explosive,” said coach Doug Marrone of The Bronx.
“Dynamic,” said defensive tackle Jay Bromley of Queens.
“Speed,” said quarterback Ryan Nassib.
“Playmakers,” said linebacker Marquis Spruill.
We asked USC coach Lane Kiffin and quarterback Matt Barkley the same question about Syracuse. Kiffin described the Orange as “relentless.” Barkley said, “They get after it.’’
How sweet.
We did not need Vegas to tell us the Trojans were the vastly more talented team, loaded with playmakers and Heisman Trophy candidates. No, if we have a question for the oddsmakers it is this:
Why are the Trojans not favored by more than 26 points over the Orange in Saturday’s New York College Classic (3:30 p.m., ABC) at MetLife Stadium?
Marrone always has been a glass-half-empty guy when talking about his teams — college and pro. But when he said this week the Orange had to play a perfect game just to be in contention, no one could accuse him of sandbagging.
The second-ranked Trojans have more offensive stars than a certain NFL team that plays in MetLife. The Orange are coming off a gut-wrenching 42-41 loss to Northwestern.
So what is Vegas thinking? That the Trojans will suffer from jet lag? USC was a 41-point favorite last week and just missed covering. This week it’s giving 26. We’ll take it. Sorry, ’Cuse.
They are coming in Thursday to take the edge off.
That the Trojans will take the Orange lightly?
USC was ineligible to go to a bowl the last two seasons — why would it jeopardize a chance at playing in the biggest bowl of all by suffering a letdown?
That the Trojans will be looking ahead to next week’s game at Stanford?
There’s no Andrew Luck on this Stanford team, which narrowly edged San Jose State last week.
TONIGHT
CINCINNATI (-4) over Pittsburgh
The Panthers have found the right coach for the long term in former Wisconsin offensive coordinator Paul Chryst. Sure hope the administration is patient. Pitt lost to FCS school Youngstown State last week, and Chryst doesn’t have many good options at QB. The Bearcats, dark horses to win the Big East, open the season on the Thursday night showcase. Skyline chili for all.
SATURDAY
S. CAROLINA (-22) over E. Carolina
The Gamecocks have had extra rest after holding off Vanderbilt in their conference opener. The Pirates gave up 119 yards rushing in a win over FCS Appalachian State. Watch Marcus Lattimore run for double that.
Central Florida (+18) over OHIO ST.
The Golden Knights may not have SEC speed, but they have enough to match up with the Buckeyes.
KANSAS ST. (-7) over Miami
A few years ago, the thought of picking K-State over Miami would have gotten you three squares in the psychiatric health center of your choosing. Miami has more talent, but this pick’s about the recent stability of the programs. Bill Snyder has stabilized the Wildcats and then some.
VIRGINIA (-10) over Penn St.
Saw the Nittany Lions with my own eyes last week. They’re still burning.
MISS. ST. (-3) over Auburn
Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen has his players playing as physical as any team in the nation. The Tigers lost their opener to Clemson in a smashmouth game. The Gene Chizik leather jacket shows some wear.
Air Force (+21 1 / 2) over MICHIGAN
Wolverines thrilled to see any team that starts with an ‘A’ not named Alabama. Michigan wins, but the Falcons — behind converted WR Cody Getz — make enough on the ground to keep it respectable.
TEXAS A&M (-1 1 / 2) over Florida
Gators are the Aggies’ first SEC opponent. Aggies fans will be ready. After last week’s game against Louisiana Tech was postponed because of the hurricane threat, this is the opener. Aggies fans will be ready. Florida has two QBs, which means it has none.
NOTRE DAME (-14 1 / 2) over Purdue
Irish get QB Tommy Rees, LB Carlo Calabrese, RB Cierre Wood and DL Justin Utupo back.
Wisconsin (-8) over OREGON STATE
Beavers get stuck in a cheese trap of big ol’ linemen and some tough running backs.
Washington (+23 1 / 2) over LSU
In 2003, a young QB named Matt Leinart took USC to Auburn for the season opener and shocked the Tigers. The quarterbacks coach that day was Steve Sarkisian. Sarkisian now is the head coach at Washington and he has a terrific QB in Keith Price. LSU spent the week dealing with more Honey Badger drama.
Nebraska (-5) over UCLA
The Profit has learned to never, ever, ever bet against Nick Saban. Sure hope this isn’t the week the Profit learns to never, ever, ever bet on Bo Pelini. Look for QB Taylor Martinez to perform well in his homecoming. The Jets could score 49 on Rice, as UCLA did. OK, maybe not.
MISSOURI (+2 1 / 2) over Georgia
Gary Pinkel runs a very complicated offense, which should help neutralize some of Georgia’s speed. QB James Franklin has the tools to burn Georgia’s defense. It’s the Tigers’ first SEC game. It’s at night. Don’t walk your Dawg at night.
Oklahoma St. (-10 1 / 2) over ARIZONA
Wes Lunt might be Mike Gundy’s best QB ever.
BEST BETS: USC, Virginia, Missouri
Last week: 7-8, Best Bets: 2-1