USC Game Preview

The weather will be an ally here for us. If our defense can keep us in the game, the 3rd and 4th quarter it will give us an edge. NFL, but the MNF game at arrowhead last night the weather was a factor
 
I have no idea what to expect from this game. I'm literally not going to be surprised at anything. Well, I might be a little surprised if we win by multiple scores. But, a home game and cold weather can possible do that to a team from Socal.

So, question, why do people think USC would blow us out by multiple scores?
 
BigRedBuster said:
I have no idea what to expect from this game. I'm literally not going to be surprised at anything. Well, I might be a little surprised if we win by multiple scores. But, a home game and cold weather can possible do that to a team from Socal.

So, question, why do people think USC would blow us out by multiple scores?
Click to expand...
My read on this is that they are ranked #1 in passing offense, with lots of speed, and #23 in rushing offense. We have already shown a weakness with rush defense and I think people are vastly over estimating our pass defense based on numbers against P4 competition that is rated currently here:

Cincy - #58
Michigan - #101
MSU - #87
Minnesota - #94
NW - #115

We are struggling on offense ourselves, especially in trying to keep up in a track meet, so this adds up to a multiple score victory for SC.
 
I think the reasons people are expecting us to lose big are valid, particularly the Michigan game. But some counter points:
  • Looking at the USC week content the Michigan blog that charts everything, they pretty much came to the conclusion that the quality of the offensive play didn't match up with the point total. Not that they should have won or anything, but they weren't completely stifled to the degree 13 points would suggest.
    • Can that happen to us? Sure. Will it? Maybe, but we have been better (not great) at turning yards into points this year.
  • They were very angry at the defensive gameplan, and attribute a chunk of USC's success to Wink Martindale trying to do NFL stuff with college players while Lincoln Riley gives easy answers to his players
    • Can that happen to us? Yeeeah, this one I'm a little worried about. I'm not sold on Butler yet. I don't think he's as set in his ways as Wink, but it's another NFL background and a genius college gameplanner/playcaller with 2 weeks to prepare. We better be ready to adjust.
  • A home game against a true freshman QB is very different than a November road game at night
So there's absolutely a possibility they run wild and hit some deep shots to Lemon and our offense shoots itself in the foot and turns it into an embarrassment. But we're not favored, going to be a great atmosphere, and I think if we have enough curveballs, take care of the football, and get a big special teams play there's a realistic chance to win. We'll probably have to weather the storm early though, or have some phenomenal tendency breakers ready to slow them down early.
 
Lorewarn said:
It's quite easy to count. It's happened three times in the last 15 years.
Click to expand...
Name the three you'd consider in this category.

I'd call Michigan earlier this year as one. Illinois last year too. Not all are night games or blackouts; it's the hype and attention we get for a home game to then be let down by the disparity in talent and/or result.
 
I just read an interesting stat. Since Lincoln Riley has been at USC, his record when travelling more than 1000 miles from home is 1-7 and 0-8 against the spread. His lone win was at Purdue this year- They likely won't win a single conference game. This gives me hope that it will be a competitive game allowing our crowd to really have an impact.
 
This won't help:

Nebraska starting RT Teddy Prochazka suffers another season-ending torn ACL​

Rhule touched on both the win over Northwestern and looking ahead to Saturday’s primetime showdown vs. No. 23 USC to open his latest media availability. Following that brief opening statement, the fiest question he fielded pressed him for an update on the team’s health status across the board and where he feels his team is at from a physical standpoint.

“Where are we at health-wise?” Rhule said. “I mean, obviously, we’re down with some injuries at right tackle. Teddy (Prochazka) is done – he won’t be able to play anymore. Gunnar (Gottula) is banged up. We’re just gonna have to have guys battle through. But I also know that’s what every other team is dealing with, too, so we need our guys to continue doing what they’ve been doing.”

 
runningblind said:
My read on this is that they are ranked #1 in passing offense, with lots of speed, and #23 in rushing offense. We have already shown a weakness with rush defense and I think people are vastly over estimating our pass defense based on numbers against P4 competition that is rated currently here:

Cincy - #58
Michigan - #101
MSU - #87
Minnesota - #94
NW - #115

We are struggling on offense ourselves, especially in trying to keep up in a track meet, so this adds up to a multiple score victory for SC.
Click to expand...
Good points.
 
BigRedBuster said:
That was at home. They have played worse on the road.
Click to expand...
I posted that same thing above. I understand and acknowledge your point but it is the main reason people think we will get beat badly... and the fact Vegas has us as the underdog for a home night game. They have 39 combined 4 and 5 star players- tons of talent so on paper we should lose. However, I give us a shot if our crowd can have an impact and their road struggles continue.
 
I think we get blown out or win by 3. Boom or bust. Minnesota was just a kick in the nutz. Crowd and ST's will be the difference. And committing to the run game early and often.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top