missingbraincells

Looking forward to a close game - if you're willing to accept information from a visiting Trojan, here's an idea what to expect. Trojan offense has struggled most of the season to find an identity. The base offense is a pro set that wants to be a spread, usually run out of the shotgun (or pistol). Base tempo is a no huddle that often seems to stall - Sarkesian is torn between wanting to run 100 plays a game and knowing that his defense has no depth and needs him to run clock. Typical scenario has been an offense that is explosive early (big first quarter leads), then goes into a shell trying to run the ball (frequently unproductively) while the lead dwindles. USC lost two conference games by being unable to run enough to kill the clock and hold a lead (Arizona State beat us on a Hail Mary on the final play of the game, Utah drove the length of the field in the final minute and scored the winning TD with 8 seconds left). Kessler is a smart QB, good game manager, rarely makes mistakes. He's shown a tendency to focus on his first read (usually Nelson Agholor), but can really go off when given time. He's had huge games against weaker competition which sort of inflates his stat line, but he's struggled some against better defenses (Stanford, Utah). Lots of talent at WR, and lots of speed (George Farmer and Steven Mitchell are both coming off knee surgery and are just know finding their stride). Thin at TE with Randall Telfer (a senior) and Bryce Dixon (true freshman) the only scholarship tight ends on the roster. Buck Allen is an under-rated back, not shifty but with lots of top end speed and good hands out of the backfield. Justin Davis has a little more juke (but less size) and although he has run well late in the season sometimes struggles in pass protection. We've had way too many negative yardage running plays, usually when the line breaks down. We've not been able to pound the ball when we need to, and we seldom use the fullback as a lead blocker anymore. OL has had some good games and some mediocre ones. We lost our starting LT to a knee injury during the Utah game. We'll probably be starting three true freshman on the O-line for the bowl game (never a good thing). Zach Banner has been solid at right tackle, and Max Tuerk has been good at center (although he's had some occasional snapping issues - before this season he was a tackle and guard). The three frosh are Toa Lobendahn who shifted from left guard out to left tackle when Chad Wheeler went down, Damien Mama at left guard now, and Viane Telemaivo at right guard. In a year or two this will be a very good offensive line, but they're very young right now. The defense has played well for the most part, although many are unhappy with new DC Justin Wilcox. We lost our best edge rusher to an ACL injury before the season and have struggled to get a consistent pass rush. Leonard Williams is an absolute beast, but he's been fighting double and triple teams all season. For the most part we have played well against the run, but nose tackle Antwuan Woods tore a pectoral in practice and had surgery last week. The D-line is going to be shuffling bodies around trying to find what works (and there aren't many bodies to shuffle). Hayes Pullard is solid at MLB, maybe a bit undersized. We lost Lamar Dawson for the season at the other inside backer spot and Anthony Sarao hasn't shown the physicality to plug up the middle. Senior J.R. Tavai is a classic "tweener" who just seems to make plays - he'll likely be playing an outside rush spot for the bowl game. Scott Felix has a big motor but gets blown off the play too much and struggles to keep contain. The cornerbacks have done well. Kevon Seymour is much improved, and true freshman Adoree Jackson will be a first round pick one day (but not yet). The safeties have been a bit dinged up. Senior Gerald Bowman is a big hitter, Leon McQuay has struggled in coverage (see UCLA game) and John Plattenburg is a true freshman. The defense has seemed to wilt late, possibly the result of not having enough depth. They've really had trouble stopping anybody in the fourth quarter with the game on the line. If it's a one score game and you've got the ball late, you've got to like your chances. The kicker, Heidari has good range but has been inconsistent. He can kick a last second game winner (Stanford each of the last two seasons) or shank a 30 yarder. Probably needs a new swing coach. The punter Kris Albarado has done well for the most part - sometimes its difficult to tell what they've asked him to do. He has a big leg but seems to aim his punts more than boom them. Algholor can be a dangerous punt returner, and Jackson is an electric kick returner. Soma Vainuku is a heat-seeking missle on coverage. All of that is probably more than you wanted to know. USC fans are hoping that Sarkesian has been learning as he goes and will remember the Notre Dame game attack plan. If Sark gets a lead and goes into his shell, I don't like our chances. Lots of respect for the Cornhuskers, not expecting anything less than a classic. (note: haven't always been a Trojan - I grew up in Ames, Iowa. The first Nebraska game I ever saw was a 3 point loss by the Cyclones, think it was in 1961)