The Granddaddy - 2008 Rose Bowl Edition

Here we go . . . the Rose Bowl. And its time to get back into the swing of things.

This is familiar territory for the Trojans - another BCS bowl appearance with a Rose Bowl title at stake. For Illinois, this appearance is a welcome surprise to a season that has seen a resurrection for their program.

So will the Trojans be hungry? Will the Illini just be happy to be here?

Let's break it down:

Illinois

Offense: The Illini are a spread option team that has averaged 31 pts per game. And the straw that stirs the drink is QB Isaiah "Juice" Williams. A talented runner and developing passer, Juice threw for just under 1500 yards with 13 TDs and 10 INTs on 57% passing for the year. Their passing offense finished last in the Big 10 conference. The strength of the team is the run game which was #1 in the Big 10 averaging 266ypg. It is led by a terrific RB in Rashard Mendenhall. Rashard compiled over 1500 yards on the year (6 ypc) and was 1st team All Big 10. QB Juice Williams contributed nearly 800 yards rushing, as well. The WR unit was led by frosh Arrelious Benn, a strong player off the line who caught 49 balls on the year. Benn also returns kicks and returned (1) kickoff for a TD this year. The OLine is a terrific run-blocking group led by first team All Big 10 selection, guard Martin O'Donnell. The OLine also gave up the fewest sacks (11) in the league.

Defense: The defensive unit held opponents under 20pts per game, and although they were stout against the run (only allowing 114 ypg - 3rd in conference), they gave up some yards in the passing game - nearly 250 ypg to finish 9th in conference play. The DLine is led by DT Will Davis who compiled 9.5 sacks on the year. 1st team All Big 10 and all american LB J. Leman is the leader of the defense. DBs Kevin Mitchell and Vontae Davis led the team in INTs with (5) and (4), respectively.

Special Teams:The Illini have a very accrurate FG kicker in Jason Reda who nailed 15 out of 16 FGs for the year, but the punter is not that good, only averaging 37 yards per kick. Kyle Hudson handles the punt return duties, but has not made a big impact. Arrelious Benn, however, averages 30 yards per kickoff return.

Signature Win this Season: A 28 - 21 upset victory over Ohio St. at the Horseshoe in Columbus, keyed by a surprising 4 TD passes from QB Juice Williams.

Signature Loss this Season: A 10 - 6 loss on the road vs. the Hawkeyes. Iowa held the Illini to only 137 yards on 3 ypc.

Last Time Illinois was in the Rose Bowl: The Illini were beaten 45 - 6 by UCLA and QB Rick Neuheisal and WR Karl Dorrell

Last Time USC and Illinois Met: The Brad Otton and Sammy Knight led Trojans smashed Illinois in Champagne, 55 - 3 in 1996.


USC

Offense: QB J.D. Booty finished the year strong, running the offense efficiently and committing very few mistakes in the last four games in particular (8TDs & 1INT). The Rose Bowl is the scene of one of Booty's greatest performances, snagging the MVP last year after passing for 375 yards in a win over Michigan. This year's game could see a repeat of the aerial attack as Illinois is not strong vs. the pass (ranking 9th in the Big 10). SC's running game will see a return of a healthy Stafon Johnson, although Chauncey Washington is battling a strained leg muscle that may be healed by gametime. We'll see plenty of Joe McKnight and Stanley Havili in the running and passing game as they closed the regular season strong. The TEs/WRs will get some work this game - TE Fred Davis can expect double coverage, so WRs Turner, Hazleton and Ausberry will be involved from the start. The OLine should have a good game in this one, especially if Sam Baker and Chilo Rachal are anywhere near 100%. The big uglies for SC matchup
very well against the DE strengths of the Illini DLine.

Defense: SC's DLine vs. the very good Illini OLine will be a matchup to watch closely. SC's DEs will have to be disciplined vs. the spread option attack of Illinois. In addition DTs Ellis and Moala will have to occupy blockers to allow the LBs to make tackles near or behind the line of scrimmage. The Trojan LBs will have to make sure tackles as well against strong runners in QB Williams (225lbs) and RB Mendenhall. The DBs will not be challenged much by the Illini outside passing game to WRs - they run alot of slants, quick hitters and crossing routes, but the safeties in particular will have to watch the slot WR running up the seam in the middle of the field. One observation - Illini QB Williams tends to float any ball thrown over 20 yards - so the DBs may get some opportunities at some INTs.

Special Teams: Kicker David Buehler has been solid on kickoffs and FGs all year, and he'll need to get some touchbacks to negate Illini KR Arrelious Benn. The return game of SC can provide a boost if KR Ronald Johnson and PR Joe McKnight can get loose.

Signature Win this Season - A 44 - 24 pasting of ASU on the road on Turkey day.

Signature Loss this Season - A 24 - 23 loss to heavy underdog Stanford at home.

Last Time in the Rose Bowl - A 32 - 19 victory last year that included a second half bombing of a very good Michigan team


Prediction:

USC - 38

Illinois - 13

The Year in Review

The 2007 season was an up and down adventure for the Trojans. The year started off with the rumble of player transfers, and then injuries to key players and units took their toll in October. But by the end of the year, the Trojans came out smelling like a rose with an undefeated November and December that put them back among the elite in college football.

The roller coaster included high points in big nationally televised wins at Nebraska and Arizona State, and the lows were losses to heavy underdog Stanford at home and at Oregon. But ultimately, SC accomplished its stated goals in any given year: Beat Notre Dame, Beat UCLA, Win the Pac 10 title, and go to the Rose Bowl. Its hard to complain when those things happen.

Let's hand out the regular season grades and awards:

Offense:

QBs- JD Booty did not have the great season he was hoping for. New starting WRs with a season-long case of the dropsies, and a mid-season injury causing him to miss three games were the main culprits. But he put some really solid performances together the last (4) games (8 TDs, 1 INT), and still had 20 TDs against 9 INTs for over 2,100 yards (62% completion rate) on the year. Mark Sanchez got some valuable experience starting three games at a crucial time. He showed the skill level and mobility that will make him a prime-time player in the years to come, but also showed the inexperience reading through progressions that comes with a first time starter. Grade: B minus

RBs/FBs

- Chauncey Washington finally had a healthy season with weight loss and added muscle, and SC relied upon him all year. He finished with nearly 900 yards on 5 yards per carry. Stafon Johnson showed what he could do early, and was on his way to a big season until a foot injury derailed him. A healthy Johnson was the best RB on the team and he finished with 569 yards (6 ypc) despite missing (4) games. Joe McKnight just got better as the year progressed. Ball security was an issue, as with all frosh, but the big time playmaking in the running and passing game was apparent. And Stanley Havili was Mr. Versatility - running, blocking and serving as a weapon in the passing game. He suffered through the dropsies during the year, but his threat as receiver gave SC's offense a whole other dimension. Grade: B +

WRs/TE - What a year from Fred "Mackey Award Winner" Davis. He led the team in receptions with (55), and was un-guardable the entire year. The WR unit was a disappointment, however. Pat Turner finished with 48 receptions, but was not consistent in catching the ball or playmaking, especially early in the year. Vidal Hazleton made excellent strides this year and really played well. David Ausberry did not make the impact anticipated from his great Spring and Fall camps. He dropped quite a few passes and did not read defenses well to get open consistently. Ronald Johnson, however, looks like a playmaker in waiting. Grade: C

OLine - Yeoman's work from this unit. Injuries were a constant theme, as three starters went down mid- season. But All Conference selections Sam Baker and Chilo Rachal led the team to 185 yards on the ground per game, and only gave up (15) sacks. The healthy year turned in by Jeff Byers was a great story, and solid performers Spanos and Radovich helped the cause. The future is also bright with players like Kris O'Dowd and Butch Lewis playing well when their number was called. Grade: B+

Defense:

DLine - Tremendous performances this year from this unit that helped SC finish 2nd in overall defense nationally. NT Sedrick "The Beast" Ellis, was a nightmare for interior OLinemen collecting 8.5 sacks. DE Lawrence Jackson also played at an All American level, especially in the last 4 games of the year, garnering 9.5 sacks. DE Kyle Moore was a playmaker early with a couple of INTs and knocking down passes, before an arm injury slowed him down. Fili Moala was an overlooked contributor, while youngsters Everson Griffen and Averill Spicer introduced themselves to big time football. Grade: A minus

LB

- This group turned in a very good year. All American Keith Rivers was a force against the running game, and MLB Rey Maualuga led the team in tackles and "snot bubble hits" . And while Brian Cushing was slowed by an ankle injury, he still made plays when on the field. Backup LB Kaluka Maiava had a terrific year playing the run and pass aggressively. And reserves Clay Matthews and Luthur Brown also made solid contributions. Grade: B +

DB - Despite not having a lot of INTs, PCarroll stated that this may have been his best secondary. CB Terrell Thomas really stepped up as a leader, and had some key INTs at the end of the year. S Kevin Ellison was finally recognized as one of the best by garnering 1st team All Pac 10 honors. Cary Harris and Taylor Mays were also very good in coverage denying any big plays deep and playing the run aggressively. CB Shareece Wright is an up and comer who will continue to make strides in coverage, but really made his mark with physical play. Grade: B

Special Teams: Kicker David Buehler did a very good job on FGs this year. He was money inside the 40 yard line, and ended up 16 - 19 on the year. On kickoffs he did a good job considering that the the ball was moved back five yards this year. Punter Greg Woidneck did not have a stellar year avergaing 38 yards per kick. That's not bad, but he wasn't able to knock many within the 10 yard line or really give SC a field position advantage.

Kick returner Ronald Johnson ended up averaging 25 yards per return finishing among the top returners in the PAC 10. On punt returns, SC did not gain a significant advantage here, but Joe McKnight got acclimated to that position, and that bodes well for the future. Importantly, there were no turnovers by the return units all year long. The coverage teams were solid, with only one breakdown on kickoff coverage at ASU. Grade: C +

Coaching: It took awhile for offensive coaches to establish the RB rotation, and injuries to key personnel and execution (dropped passes) prevented a whole lot of rhythm in the passing game. The staff probably should have relied on the running game more during the year since it was the team's strenghth. And penalties and turnovers were a problem for most of the year. But the offensive numbers on the year were strong - 185 on the ground and 230+ through the air per game. Interestingly, SC was very good offensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters outscoring their opponents 227 to 80. On Defense, finishing 2nd in overall defense in college football is fantastic, and the gameplans to stop teams generally worked over the course of the games. The only downside was the generation of takeaways did not pick up steam until later in the year, and of course, 4th and 20 vs. Stanford will haunt everyone for a little while. Grade: B

MVPs:

Offense: TE Fred Davis
Defense: NT Sedric Ellis
Special Teams: K David Buehler

Predictor of the Year: Payback - on the strength of an unprecedented run of predictions at the end of the year . . . Payback takes the home the hardware.

Road Warrior of the Year: Ricky Bobby - the good ole' boy traversed through rain and wild fires to get to SC games this year.

Trojans Win War for Roses, 24 - 7

It is done. The USC Trojans have risen from the ashes and climbed the ladder back into elite status with an easy victory over the UCLA Bruins, 24 - 7.

The Bruins, depleted at QB, were fed to lions at the Coliseum and never really had a chance against a dominant Trojan defense. And the Trojan offense, while not completely efficient, relied upon its strength in the running game to over-power the Bruins.

Let's tally up the grades:

Offense:

QB - JD Booty played a solid game. He was 21 for 36 and 200+ yards with a TD pass, and once again his WRs dropped 3 or 4 passes that hurt his stats.

Grade: B

RBs/FB - Strong game from the running backs as Washington, McKnight and Johnson all had over 70 yards rushing. McKnight could have had a huge day if not for stepping out of bounds on a sideline run that could have been a 70 yard TD run, and fumbling later in the game after a 30 yard run. FB Havili made a critical running mistake early that cost SC a first down pickup, but rebounded by catching the ball well. Grade: B

WRs/TE - What can be said . . . Fred "The Truth" Davis was dominant in this game as he has been all season - (6) catches and a clutch TD reception to add to his resume as the best TE in college football. The WRs didn't perform as well. Several dropped passes, including a 3rd down killer by David Ausberry, haunted this unit that has not strung together consistent performances this year. Grade: C+

OLine - Another strong effort as SC leaned on this group to keep the Bruin pass rush off Booty, and clear the way for rushing yards. They did both to the tune of giving up only (1) sack, and bulldozing the Bruin DLine for 231 yards. Grade: A minus

Defense:

DLine - Another masterpiece. The DLine absolutely controlled the line of scrimmage, and although they had no sacks, they accounted for (3) TFLs and only allowed 52 yards rushing by the Bruins. DT Fili Moala had 1.5 TFLs for the game. Grade: A minus

LBs - A terrific overall game for this unit. Rey Maualuga did a nice job filling gaps and led the team in tackles with (8). Thomas "Hit Man" Williams made 5 tackles, forced a fumble and broke up a pass. Kaluka Maiva had a sack and another TFL, while Brian Cushing and Keith Rivers both made impacts forcing an additional fumble and disrupting the passing lanes. Grade: A

DBs - Solid game. The Bruins did get a TD pass and one longer pass against the CBs, but the Bruins never got into a great rhythm. The CBs were active at the line of scrimmage as Shareece Wright had a sack and Terrell Thomas had a TFL and followed that up with an interception later in the game. Grade: B

Special Teams - FG kicker missed an attempt, but nailed a 46 yarder. And the return guys were solid, but unspectacular. Punter Greg Woidneck, however, finally nailed a punt inside the 10 yard line, and had another fair caught at about the 11 yard line. Grade: C+

Coaching - It was redemption time for the offensive coaches who didn't do a good job last year of making adjustments in this game. But this year they got it done. They went to the running game just enough for 231 yards, although they probably should have leaned upon it even more. In general, they kept the Bruin defense off balance. Defensively, the Trojans executed the way they wanted to - stuffing the run game, and then pressuring the Bruin QB garnering (4) sacks. Grade: B +

Game Balls:

Offense - TE Fred Davis

Defense - LBs Rey Maualuga and Thomas Williams

Special Teams - Punter Greg Woidneck

Prediction Winner: Payback (Who else?)

The Game for the Roses - Bruins Visit The Coliseum

After a rocky mid-season, the Trojans have fought their way back to a chance for the Roses. And now only the Bruins stand in the way, with their own (long) shot to play in the Rose Bowl.

Its Championship Saturday folks . . . no other buildup is needed.

The Bruins literally limp into the Coliseum not sure who's healthy or experienced enough to play QB, but with a defense that has been battle tested. The Trojans are peaking at just the right time on both sides of the ball. But despite the condition of both teams, this RIVARLY game takes on a life force of its own . . . and the team who's WILL is the strongest on game day ends up being the winner.

Let's break it down:

UCLA

Offense - The Bruins have (3) QBs to choose from . . . and yet, no QBs to choose from. Ben Olson, Pat Cowan and Ossar Rashaan are injured or woefully inexperienced to some degree - the bet is that Olson with his bad knee, 50% completion rate, 7 TDs and 6 INTs will at least start the game - but who finishes is anybody's guess. The running back situation is hardly any better, but at least the solid Chris Markey is back and should receive the majority of carries, with Craig Sheppard spelling him. WR Brandon Breazell leads the receiving corp, and is probably the Bruins best playmaker at this point with 46 receptions for 713 yards. He's also the trick play guy as he seems to get the ball on a reverse, stop, and then try to throw a pass downfield to another receiver every big game for the Bruins. The OLine has only been okay - part of that has to do with the revolving QB door behind them - as the offense is ranked 9th or 10th in the conference in scoring, passing and total offense in the Pac 10.

Defense - not very big in the front (7), but they use their speed, hustle and positioning to make plays as the #4 team in the Pac 10 in total defense. DE Bruce Davis leads the DLine in trash talk and sacks with 9.5 this year, while the rest of the front four is make-shift. LBs Christian Taylor and Reggie Carter are particularly active vs. the run, helping the Bruins rank third in the conference against the run game. The CB tandem of Trey Brown and Al Verner is not big, but they have been particularly productive - garnering (4) INTs apiece and combining to breakup 29 passes this year. Safeties Horton and Van like to support the run defense, but often leave their feet to make tackles - not good as the last line of defense.

Special Teams - the strength of the team. Kicker Kai Forbath is clicking at an 85% rate, and has been integral to the Bruin offense. KOR Matt Slater has been a secret weapon this year, as he has returned (3) kickoffs for TDs and ranks #1 in the Pac 10 in return avg. (30 yards). Punter Aaron Perez averages a nice 43 yards per kick, as well.

USC

Offense - JD Booty and the offense have been humming on all cyclinders the past few weeks, keeping defenses off balance by running and passing the ball well. Once again, Booty must limit turnovers giving the Bruins NO cheap opportunities. The run game will have flexibility to run inside and outside with Washington, Johnson and McKnight - and I would love to see more toss sweeps to complement the bread and butter inside counter running plays. The Bruin defense will probably "bracket" TE Fred Davis to limit his chances, but if the Trojan WRs can have another efficient game - no drops, stay upright for yards after catch and block downfield - the Bruins will be in trouble. SC's mostly healthy OLine vs. the Bruin DLine will be the battle ground - the controller of that line will determine whether this game is a Trojan blowout or a close game.

Defense - No matter what QB the Bruins trot out there . . . that individual is in trouble. The SC DLine has been feeding in opponents' backfield for most of the season, but especially in the last three games racking up (13) sacks as a unit. Its been "mission accomplished" as far as stopping the run game - and it will be no different vs. UCLA. Similar to the ASU game, the Trojan LBs need to be prepared for Bruin draw plays and screens to RB Chris Markey as an escape from the intense SC pressure. The Trojan DBs will also need to stay disciplined as UCLA typically goes deep a few times a game, with a trick pass play thrown in there.

Special Teams - The KO coverage teams can't afford a breakdown as with ASU - the Bruins' Matt Slater is really good on KORs and UCLA could use a cheap TD from their special teams to stay in the game. RoJo, however, can continue to help SC's offense with good returns as well. (Interesting note - UCLA has failed to notch a touchback on KOs this year.) DBuehler has just been money on FGs this year, and his scoring has kept the pressure on opposing offenses.

What to Watch For: This game kind of boils down to SC's offense vs. UCLA's defense - so I'm going to pay close attention to:

* 3rd Downs - UCLA's defense has made a living getting offenses off the field on third downs (ranking 1st in the Pac 10), while SC's offense is converting 3rd downs at about a 45% clip (basically tied for first in the conference)

* The Red Zone - SC's offense has been spectacular in the kill zone, scoring over 87% of the time - 1st in the Pac 10. UCLA, on the other hand, ranks 2nd in the conference in Red Zone defense. Their defense has kept the team in ball games due to its ability to keep teams off the scoreboard inside the 20 yard line.

Prediction:

USC - 34

UCLA - 10

Trojans Devour Sun Devils, 44 - 24

Now that's what I'm talkin' about! There's nothing better than going to someone's house and pounding all of the food and drink in sight . . . and then bailing.

That's exactly what the Trojans did on Thanksgiving night. SC's offense scored on nearly every possession in the first half, and the defense put hammer down on ASU's run game, and especially the QB. And so somewhere between the third helping of turkey and dessert, the game was over.

Let's go to the grades:

Offense:

QB - J.D. Booty played his best game of the year - (4) TDs and another one rushing with 375 yards in a dominant performance. And it wasn't just the completions, it was the smart decisions to throw the ball away when nothing was there that made the night a masterpiece. Once again, Booty was on the road and threw (0) INTs . . . that's how you win. Grade: A+

RBs/FB - Solid performance, especially in the second half when SC decided to burn clock. CWashington had about 80 yards, with McKnight and Johnson spelling him. McKnight was especially effective on 3rd down in the passing game. Havili not only didn't drop a pass, but he caught a TD and crucial 3rd down pass as well. Grade: B+

WRs/TE - What a difference catching the ball makes . . . no drops from the WR corp and big time yards after the catch. This game represented the most complete performance this unit has had all year. TE FDavis balled out once again with a sweet 4th and 2 TD run and catch that sent the ASU faithful to the exits. He finished with 5 receptions for 119 yards. Hazleton was big not only catching the ball, but blocking too. Turner, Ausberry and RoJo also contributed with timely receptions. Grade: A

OLine - Really good game for this unit. They played physical, and protected Booty in the passing game (only giving up one sack - Butch Lewis missed his man), while paving the way for a solid running game. Grade: B+

Defense

DLine - This group brought the pain. LoJack had (4) sacks, forced a fumble and set a Trojan record for TFLs with (5.5) for the game. Sedrick Ellis was so scary the referrees were throwing flags for nothing. And frosh EGriffen chipped in with (6) tackles and a sack. The DLine shut down ASU's run game completely - ASU's RBs ran for 51 yards on 24 carries (and most of that came during garbage time). Grade: A+

LBs - Good, solid game. Kaluka Maiava subbing for KRivers, played well and led the team in tackles with (10). Thomas Williams also chipped in with (6) tackles, and Rey Maualuga inflicted some pain ASU's players won't soon forget. Grade: B

DBs - This unit gave up some yards through the air, but that was because ASU needed to throw a lot. They broke up (3) passes, though, and didn't give up any deep plays for TDs. TThomas had the one bad play of the night with a PI when he could had an INT. Grade: B

Special Teams:

Kicking/Coverage - Great job by DBuehler with (3) made FGs and several touchbacks on kickoffs. A couple of bad plays, though, giving up a TD return on a kickoff and giving up a blocked punt. RoJo set SC up nicely with a kick return, and no mistakes on PRs. Grade: C

Coaching - SC's offensive staff crossed up ASU by coming out with the aerial attack early (ASU thought SC would run the ball early and often a la CAL). They got Booty in a rhythm, and even called a brilliant play to TE FDavis on a 4th and 2 play. Like we said in our review, ASU would run screen plays to the RBs and WR underneath routes - but SC kept all of that in front of them and brought pressure that rattled ASU's QB. Grade: A

Game Balls:

Offense - QB J.D. Booty

Defense - DE Lawrence Jackson

Special Teams - K David Buehler

Prediction Winner: B-Dub (breaks up Payback record prediction streak)

Trojans Prepare for ASU

Fred G. Sanford would have said it best, "Ohhh Elizabeth . . . I'm comin' to join ya' honey . . . this is the BIG one . . . USC vs. ASU."

The Trojan run through November ends with a Thanksgiving tilt in Tempe, Arizona with the ASU Sun Devils. And this game sets up the winner to be in good position to win the Pac 10 championship (with an eye on Oregon's recent troubles, of course). USC will be as healthy as its been since the beginning of the season, and is used to these types of big games.

But after a review of these two teams, you'll find that they are very evenly matched offensively and defensively. And besides the usual keys of limiting turnovers and execution, this game has a "who wants it more" feel to it.

Let's break it down:

ASU

Offense: The Sun Devils are led by QB Rudy Carpenter, a talented passer who comes into the game with 20 TDs and 8 INTs, but also a sprained thumb on his throwing hand. The running game is led by RB Keegan Herring (77 ypg) since the season ending injury to high profile back Ryan Torain. The WRs are not spectacular, but they are very solid with (4) guys collecting over 25 balls this year - led by Chris McGaha's 41 receptions and Mike Jones' 18 ypc average. ASU's OLine anchors a very balanced attack that leads the Pac 10 conference in time of possession - but they have a glaring weakness - they are last in sacks, giving up over 4 per game.

Defense: A very underrated group that ranks in the top three in nearly all of the major defensive categories within the Pac 10. Most importantly, they are tied for first in Takeaways. The DLine is led by Dexter Davis who has 8.5 sacks, and LB Robert James is a very active player. But the strength of the defense might be the defensive backfield - SS Troy Nolan has 5 INTs and ASU ranks only behind SC in terms of pass defense efficiency. There has been one problem area - Red Zone defense. ASU is last in that category in the Pac 10, as teams have scored on the Sun Devils nearly every time they get inside the 20 yard line. The good part for the Sun Devils is that their turnover prowess has prevented teams from getting inside their 20 yard line a lot.

Special Teams - ASU boasts the best FG kicker in the league in Thomas Weber, clicking at a 95% rate (19 - 20). And Kyle Williams and Rudy Burgess have been very solid punt/kickoff return men for the Sun Devils.


USC

Offense: We know the deal for QB JD Booty - no INTs and play efficiently. When that happens, SC's offense maintains possession of the ball, and doesn't hurt itself. The running game will have to show up big time again. Having a healthy Stafon Johnson to go with a hot CWashington should be a plus. The WRs will face some good DBs in this game, so they may not be spectacular, but all they have to do is CATCH the ball - no drops, please. More trench warfare for SC's OLine - once again, they must impose their will in the running game, and keep Booty's jersey clean. FB Stanley Havili and TE Fred Davis will be looked upon for the mismatches vs. ASU's back seven defenders.

Defense: The DLine can make some hay in this game on the pass rush, as the ASU OLine does not protect the passer well - LoJack and EGriffen will get some opportunities off the edge. But as usual, it starts with stopping the run game. I think SC's LBs should expect some RB/WR screen plays to RB Keegan Herring and Rudy Burgess from ASU as they will try to escape SC's pass rush. SC's DBs are kind of the unsung group of this defense, and they face another good challenge. TThomas' and KEllison's leadership will be called to the forefront again vs. ASU's solid WR corp.

Special Teams: The coverage and return units have played well this year. RoJo is getting closer and closer to busting a KOR. DBuehler has been really solid, but GWoidneck is not getting good distance on his punts. Watch for JMcKnight on punt returns . . . I got a feelin'.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

ASU - 16

Bow Down to True Trojan Fans

These are the faces of true, but definitely nutty, Trojan fans gutting it out in the bowl of soup called CAL stadium:

From left to right - Mrs. Big EZ, Mrs. Payback, Payback, Bayou Brown (Hari), Big XII, B-Dub and Lil' B-Dub. Photographer - Big EZ

Fight On!

Trojans Outlast Bears, 24 - 17

What a win! Talk about coming through in the clutch . . . on the road, hostile crowd, and playing in monsoon-like weather conditions - the Trojans got the job done.

CAL always plays SC tough and seized the momentum a few times in the game. But SC kept coming back, even after a few mistakes and missed opportunities, to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and keep the BCS dream alive.

Let's go to the grades:

Offense

QB - The numbers for J.D. Booty were pedestrian - 11 for 20, 129 yards and 1 TD pass - but he threw zero INTs in tough weather conditions - and that was key. He missed on a bomb to an open RoJo in the first half, but his 3rd down scramble and throw to PTurner for the game clinching first down on SC's last possession was clutch. Grade: B minus

RB/FB - Chauncey Washington had the game of a lifetime - 29 carries for 220 yards, 7.4 ypc. SC had to run the ball well, and C-Dub carried the team even after a big fumble at the goal line . Stafon Johnson also picked up a key first down in the second half, as well as scored the winning TD on a 3 yard scamper. SHavili caught a short TD pass, but also dropped a gimme (what else is new). Grade: A minus

WR/TE - A bit of a quiet night, as the weather conditions dictated the game. But TE FDavis and WR PTurner came through with big catches in the second half. Grade: C +

OLine - A good night for these guys. SC ran the ball down CAL's throat even when they knew it was coming. They also kept Booty from being sacked. OT Butch Lewis is doing a good job in place of AA Sam Baker. Grade: A minus

Defense:

DLine - Not a whole of stats from this group - they faced an excellent OLine from CAL and a really good RB in Justin Forsett (171 yards rushing on the night) whom they were unable to trap in the backfield. Sedrick Ellis and LoJack had 6 and 5 tackles, respectively. Grade: C

LBs - Tough tackling night for these guys. Forsett's bowling ball - like running and the rainy conditions on turf made it difficult to wrap up and get good footing. TWilliams, BCushing and BMatthews each had a TFL, though. Grade: C minus

DBs - Very good performance. They gave up one pass TD and started off shaky tackling-wise, but once again held the explosive WR unit for CAL in check. TMays had (3) pass break-ups, while KEllison had an INT. CB TThomas came up with a huge INT and sack. Grade: B

Special Teams:

Kicker/Returns - RoJo put together two good kickoff returns to give SC excellent field position, while DBuehler nailed a 28 yarder. Grade: B

Coaching: The offensive coaches stuck with the running game which was exactly what they needed to do with this team, and in that ugly weather. Defensively, the coaches were able to rattle CAL's QB a few times with timely blitzes. And then SC's guys just made a few plays to win it. Grade: B

Game Balls:

* Offense - RB Choo Choo Washington

* Defense - CB Terrell Thomas

* Special Teams - KOR Ronald Johnson

Prediction Winner - Payback (the dude is unstoppable right now!)

Trojans Face CAL in Long-Awaited Battle

Well, it ain't the showdown we thought it would be.

No one predicted the Trojans and Bears would have a combined (5) losses by the time they faced one another this Saturday. But the game still holds huge ramifications for SC. A win keeps the door open for a possible 1st or more likely 2nd place finish in the Pac 10.

CAL comes into the game losers of 3 of their last 4 - the lone win coming last week in a squeaker over Wazzu 20 -17. The USC game represents the Bears last chance at a respectable victory in the 2007 regular season.

Here's the breakdown:

CAL

Offense - One of the biggest surprises of the year has been CAL's lackluster passing game. QB Nate Longshore has been mediocre with 11TDs and 8INTs on the year even with the best WR unit in the conference in Desean Jackson and Lavell Hawkins. A troublesome area for CAL's offense has been scoring in the Red Zone where they are ranked 9th in the Pac 10. The running game, though, has been very good with RB Justin Forsett hammering out 1000 yards over 9 games with a 4.8 ypc. The OLine is very stout - they've only given up 8 sacks in pass protection this year, while opening holes for Forsett to run through.

Defense - The defensive unit has been just okay. They rank "middle of the road" in nearly every defensive category within the conference, and give up 25 points per game. A weakness is the DLine pass pressure - CAL is last in the Pac 10 in sacks. The LBs are solid led by Anthony Felder and Worrell Williams - both of whom are ranked in the top five in tackles in the conference. The secondary is led by safety Thomas Decoud, and athletic cover man and sure tackler.

Special Teams - Desean Jackson is the most dangerous punt returner in the league, and has (1) TD this year. The field goal unit, however, is shaky - making only 60% of their tries with Jordan Kay handling the duties.

USC

Offense - The rules are simple for QBs playing on the road - no turnovers and keep your composure. QB J.D. Booty will be charged with these duties in Strawberry Canyon. The running game will need to be a big help - CWashington, SJohnson and JMcKnight need to have good ballgames. The OLine has the advantage vs. CAL's DLine which doesn't pass rush or play the run very well. TE Fred Davis may also create a favorable matchup with the CAL LBs who play the run well, but they are vulnerable in pass coverage.

Defense - It will be "trench-warfare" when SC's good DLine matches up against a really solid OLine for CAL. Pass rushing will be a challenge for the DLine, but so will stopping CAL's run game and RB Forsett. SC's LBs will have to tackle very well to keep Forsett from getting loose in the secondary - but they should do well - CAL's offense is very straight-forward. The DBs will also have a challenge with the Bear WRs. Will SC dare to go "man to man" often with WR Desean Jackson? It will be very interesting.

Special Teams - Every score will count on the road, so K David Buehler will have to continue to play well. And it would be nice to get a cheap score from the return men as CAL's coverage units are not that good.

Prediction Time:

USC - 30

CAL - 17

Click "COMMENTS" below to enter your prediction and game analysis.

USC Shuts Down Oregon State, 24 - 3

We'll take it . . . that's what everyone was saying as they left the Coliseum after the Trojans dispatched of the Oregon St. Beavers 24 - 3. It wasn't perfect, but it felt good to see the Trojans win convincingly for a change as the game was over by halftime.

Oregon St. was not a team to be taken lightly, even if they were missing a key to their offense (RB Yveson Bernard). And the Trojans didn't underestimate them, coming out aggressively defensively and avoiding killer mistakes on offense to start the "November Run" with a much needed victory.

Here's how the Trojans graded out:

Offense:

QB - The return of QB Booty to the offense was mixed. With (2) TD passes and no INTs, it represented exactly what the offense had to do. But he did have a fumble, and the offense scored zero points in the second half on a few missed opportunities to score, including one over-throw by Booty. Grade: C minus

RBs/FB - CWashington ran very well for 60 yards, and scored a TD on a screen play that we thought would work against OSU's heavy rush. SJohnson didn't get as many carries as thought, but he was productive. Joe McKnight got the most carries and had quite a few negative yards, while SHavili is really struggling with dropped passes. Grade: B minus

WRs/TE - This unit had another up and down night. FDavis and VHazleton had 5 catches apiece, and Turner came down with a nice TD catch. Once again, however, there were some dropped passes and sloppy routes running during the game. Grade: C minus

OLine - This unit did the job against a very aggressive pass rushing and run stopping Beaver defense. They only gave up two sacks, and one of those was QB Booty's fault. And 100 yards rushing may not seem like much, but its double what the Beavs normally give up. So they can improve, but the running holes were apparent for CWashington many times. Grade: B

Defense:

DLine - Well, we posted before the game that this group could pitch a shut out . . . and they almost did. A great game for the DLine as EGriffen dominated his man for (3.5) sacks. The rest of the group helped to hold the Beavs to less than 100 yards rushing and passing. Grade: A

LBs - Solid game from this unit. They jumped in on the sack parade, and really only had one bad play - missed tackles on a 50 yard run on OSU's first possession. Cushing, Rivers and Maualuga combined for 17 tackles, while TWilliams was particularly active with a sack and a broken up pass. Grade: B

DBs - Ask for an INT . . . and ye shall receive one. CB Terrell Thomas jumped a pass route for an INT and led a DB unit that contributed to a total of (8) broken up passes. And it was good to see CB Shareece Wright playing at full strength again. Grade: B+

Special Teams - DBuehler missed a long FG attempt, but nailed another. The punting needs to improve under Woidneck - 36 ypp - and he can't seem to nail one inside the 10 yard line. The return game was solid.

Grade: C

Coaching - SC's gameplan offensively was good for the Beavs' very aggressive front (7). Missed opportunities in the form of dropped passes and overthrows, though, caused SC to put up a goose egg in the second half. However, they need to run more sweeps with McKnight and Johnson, because they pick up 8 - 10 yards almost every time they do. The defensive plan was executed nearly flawlessly. They took advantage of OSU QB Canfield's slow reads with man coverage by the DBs - and that allowed the SC's front seven to get pressure to the tune of 9 sacks.

Grade: B

Game Balls:

* Offense - RB Chauncey Washington

* Defense - CB Terrell Thomas and DE Everson Griffen

* Special Teams - KR Ronald Johnson

Prediction Winner - Payback (the dude is on a roll)

Oregon St. Visits the Coliseum

Its back to work for the Trojans as the OSU Beavers come to town riding a three game winning streak. The Beavers are a solid team, especially defefensively, and they present a solid test for a Trojan team trying to right the ship heading into the November stretch run.

Here's the run-down on the matchup.

Oregon State

Offense - The Beavers QB Sean Canfield has had an up and down year. He led the team to a big win over CAL, but has been inconsistent in other games. He has 8 TD passes, but 13 INTs on the year. The Beavs best player, RB Yveson Bernard, is questionable for this game due to a shoulder sprain. He's third in the Pac 10 in rushing and the Beavs' offense revolves around him, so it would be a huge loss if he's unable to go. The Beavs lost their best WR for the year (Sammy Stroughter) so they turn to TE Howard Croom to move the ball through the air lately.

Defense - The strength of the team, this "No Name" defense ranks 2nd in the Pac 10, and leads the conference in sacks (33 in 8 games!) Plus, the OSU run defense is number one in the Pac 10 only allowing 54 yards per game. The pass rush comes from the edges as OSU has three DEs in the top ten in sacks in the conference this year. In addition, the Beavs get very solid LB play from the underrated pair of Joey LaRoque and Derrick Doggett. LaRoque spends a lot of time in the opponents' backfield with (8.5) tackles for loss. DBs Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes lead the back four unit, combining for 5 INTs between them.

Special Teams - Alexis Serna is a solid (seems like 15th year) FG kicker for the Beavs. The return game, however, has been ineffective since the loss of Sammy Stroughter - the team ranks 9th and 10th in KO and Punt returns, respectively.

USC Trojans

Offense - This game will be won in the trenches. OSU can stop the run and rush the passer. OTs DRadovich and BLewis will have to bring their "A" game as OSU's pass rush is really productive off the edges. JD Booty returns and will have to be sharp in the passing game because OSU loads the box to stop the run, but gives the QB very little time to pass. We could see even more of those WR hitch passes to escape that pressure - but also look for SC to use stop and go routes to WRs and RB screen passes to make OSU pay for selling out at the line of scrimmage. Stafon Johnson is back for a big role in the running game, so it will be interesting to see if he has any holes.

Defense - How much more can this unit do? Well, the DBs could get some INTs from the Beavs inconsistent QB. The Beav offense is pretty vanilla, so the SC defense could pitch a "shutout" if they are on their game. But it will be a struggle once again if offensive turnovers, penalties and punts keep them on the field all night long. NT SEllis and SS Kevin Ellison are playing AA ball right now.

Special Teams - DBuehler has been solid all year, and so have the coverage teams. Plus Joe McKnight and RoJo are settling in to their duties as punt and kickoff returners. Sooner or later, they'll deliver some long returns.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

OSU - 10

Ducks Quack on SC, 24 - 17

Broke . . . busted . . . and disgusted. That's the only way to describe the USC Trojans as they shot themselves in the foot over and over again in Autzen Stadium on the way to a 24 - 17 loss.

The Trojans had opportunities, but were unable to capitalize on most of them that came their way.

In the biggest game of the year, the Trojans acted like a duck (especially offensively) . . . and laid an egg.

We'll name this grade session - Reality Bites . . .

Offense:

QB - Mark Sanchez faced his toughest test and had a few good moments and respectable stats - 26 - 41 for 277 yards and (2) TDs. But missed reads and (2) INTs in the second half killed SC drives to tie the game. When you are on the road, you can't turn the ball over, especially in the red zone. Grade: D+

RBs/FBs - SC had one of its lowest rushing outputs of the season at the wrong time - only 101 yards, averaging 3 yards per carry. That won't get it done. And to add insult to injury, FB Havili coughed up the ball in the red zone. Inexcusable. Grade: F

WRs/TE - Big game (finally) for the WR unit. They benefited from the extra attention the Duck defense paid to TE Fred Davis. PTurner came alive for 7 catches for 107 yards and a nice TD, plus Hazleton added 8 catches and Ausberry had a TD catch. Grade: B +

OLine - Talk about not "stepping up". This unit did nothing but hurt the Trojans - from Chilo Rachal's dumb personal foul on the opening drive after a Duck turnover to Drew Radovich's holding penalty that called back a 60 yard TD run - the mistakes were devastating. Grade: F

Defense:

DLine - Sedrick "The Beast" Ellis is putting together one of the great years in recent memory - (12) tackles with 2 TFLs and a sack is incredible activity from a nose tackle. LoJack posted another (11) tackles. The unit helped hold the best offense in the country to season lows in points, rushing and total offense. Grade: B

LBs - A mixed game for this unit. They made some mistakes reading the ball fakes the Duck spread option offense presents. But they were active with (31) tackles among the starting guys - Rivers, Maualuga and Cushing. Grade: C +

DBs - This group played a solid game. The Ducks only had 157 yards passing for under 10 yards per catch. Safeties Ellison and Mays combined for (17) tackles and (2) TFLs. Grade: B

Special Teams

Kickers/Returners - Kicker DBuehler was solid with a 30 yard FG, and he banged a couple of KOs for touchbacks. Punter Woidneck didn't have a great average (36 yards), but did have a punt downed inside the 20. The return game didn't make any big plays, but they didn't make any mistakes either. Grade: C+

Coaching - This was a huge game going into a hostile environment against a very good team. The offensive coaches nursed the offense along, but couldn't overcome key turnover mistakes with a great call or two. The defensive side did what they wanted to do - Oregon had no big plays - and were held in check points-wise. But they weren't able to force QB Dixon into any mistakes like they have in the past. Grade: C minus

Game Balls - None (SC lost . . . no soup for anyone!)

Prediction Winner - None (SC lost . . . but Payback picked the final score in reverse)

The Showdown . . . USC Faces Oregon

Well, it doesn't get any bigger than this . . . at least right now. The Trojans travel to Autzen Insane Asylum to face a hot Oregon Ducks team.

The season hangs in the balance for USC who is fighting to stay in the BCS bowl picture - and a loss at this point would be devastating to SC's BCS rankings. Oregon already choked a game away to CAL and is fighting to maintain its lofty BCS rating (#5). A perennial "also ran"in the national/conference picture, Oregon knows its season is on the line as well. A win over SC would make Oregon legit around the country.

Let's break this puppy down:

Oregon Ducks:

Offense - This offense is humming with the number one rushing game in the country. QB Dixon is finally taking care of the ball, as the team leads the conference in turnover margin. Dixon is also passing efficiently, completing 69% of his passes with 16 TDs and only 3 INTs. Offensively, the team has lost a couple of WRs and even a key RB in the last two weeks, but they keep putting up points. RB Jonathan "Snoop" Stewart is having the AA year everyone expected, leading the Pac 10 in rushing with almost 1,000 yards in seven games. WR Jaison Williams will be the go to guy downfield.

Defense - Although this unit is middle of the road in all of the main defensive categories, they get really stingy in the red zone. They have given up the fewest TDs when opponents get inside their 20 yard line in the Pac 10. So they bend, but don't break. Safeties Matthew Harper and Patrick Chung lead a defense that is not really strong in the front seven, but again locks down when they have to.

Special Teams - Kicker Matt Evenson is solid on FGs making 9 of 12. Kick returns are handled by Snoop Stewart who averaging 30 yards per return and leads the conference.

USC Trojans:

Offense - It doesn't get any bigger for QB Mark Sanchez who will probably start his 3rd game of the season. COMPOSURE and NO TURNOVERS will be Sanchez's buzz words as he is known for getting a little too hyped up which will only feed the animals at Autzen stadium. The running game will be key as "running to set up the pass" should be the order of the day. OG Chilo Rachal comes back to help, and a set RB rotation of CWashington, SJohnson and JMcKnight will have to be super productive. TE Fred "The Truth" Davis will again have to put on his cape and be Superman for the passing game. Hopefully, the WRs can help out by hanging onto 3rd down passes which will keep drives alive.

Defense - Oregon's unstoppable running game meets the immovable force in SC's run defense now ranked 3rd in the country. The key for SC is the DEs (LoJack, KMoore and EGriffen) - they must stay outside and contain the spread option running of QB Dixon . . . let the LBs and DTs handle the inside running of Stewart. The Safeties (KEllison and TMays) will also have to be sharp because the passing game of the Ducks is surprisingly efficient on short and intermediate routes.

Special Teams - this unit could be a difference maker for SC if the Trojan offense stalls. Good field position is a must, so the return game must be on point: NO MISTAKES, MR. McKNIGHT.

FG kicker DBuehler can also keep SC scoring if Oregon's defense continues its great red zone play.

Prediction Time:

This one is tough, but . . .

USC - 24

Oregon - 17

USC Mauls the Irish, 38 - 0

When asked when he knew the Trojans had control of the game defensively, Trojan safety Taylor Mays replied, "Right after the first series, Weis didn't try to do anything." Maybe that was because Weis knew his Notre Dame team couldn't do anything.

In a game that represented a last gasp of pride, the Irish collapsed under their own ineptitude, while the Trojans searched for and found an offensive identity in South Bend this past Saturday.

Let's go to the grades:

Offense:

QB - Mark Sanchez looked much better in his second start, with solid reads and no turnovers. The inexperience showed in a few of his plays (throwing behind receivers and wreckless care of the ball) that better teams would capitalize on. But the end result was 21 - 38, 235 yards with 4TDs. We'll take that all day. Grade: B+

RBs/FBs - No one cracked 100 yards, but Chauncey Washington, Joe McKnight and the return of Stafon Johnson highlighted a strong running game . . . piling up 230 yards on the ground. McKnight busted a 50 yard TD behind great OLine blocking, and Allen Bradford made an excellent catch and run play to score a TD. FB Havili was effective in short yardage running plays and catching the ball. The only downer was a fumble by veteran Herschel Dennis.

Grade: B+

WRs/TE - TE Fred "The Truth" Davis continues to be the primetime playmaker in the passing game. The one-handed, twisting TD catch was spectacular. PTurner and DAusberry were solid, and VHazelton's 50 yard score was proof positive that he's a playmaker in waiting, although though ND's DBs looked like high schoolers chasing after him. Grade: B

OLine - Terrific game for the OLine, as the reserves Butch Lewis and Tiny Malu really stepped up. They blocked well enough to garner about 230 yards on the ground, and kept the pressure off of rookie QB Mark Sanchez for the majority of the game. Grade: B+

Defense:

DLine - This sounds like a broken record, but the DLine unit is balling. (3) sacks by DLinemen and limiting ND to just 45 yards rushing (only 80 yards when you exclude the loss yardage due to sacks), is a good day's work. Sed "The Beast" Ellis terrorized the ND backfield for 1.5 sacks, and DE Kyle Moore tied for the lead in team tackles with (6). Grade: A minus

LBs - Solid effort here. Good to see LB Luther Brown run the field and make (6) tackles, while BCushing looked pretty mobile in his first game back from injury. Even Mad Dog Mualuga shook a hip pointer to make two sacks, and Kaluka Maiava chipped in with five tackles. Grade: B

DBs - This unit wasn't challenged much in the passing game, but got an All American performance from safety Kevin Ellison - who had five tackles, and INT and (2) pass breakups. CB Cary Harris also forced a fumble. Grade: B

Special Teams - A solid game of kicking, coverage and returns. No major mistakes by the return guys, and DBuehler hit his only attempt of the game - a 30 yarder at the end of the first half. Grade: B

Coaching - ND is a super weak team, but the Trojan offense did look like they established once and for all what they do well . . . run the ball. After three frustrating possessions to start the game, SC hit the running game hard and worked short and intermediate passes off the play action. That's the formula for success with this 2007 Trojan offense. The defense had no trouble with the country's worst offensive team. A scheme was hardly necessary against a team that basically mailed it in early. Grade: B+

Game Balls:

Offensive: QB Mark Sanchez

Defensive: Safety Kevin Ellison

Special Teams: Kicker David Buehler

Prediction Winner: Two in a row for Payback (by one point over Big Rob)

USC and Notre Dame Square Off in South Bend

It's Notre Dame week, people!

It ain't the matchup we hoped for . . . an undefeated Trojan team facing off against a winless Irish team, but that's the way it goes. But at least this ND team has been so bad this year that Charlie Weis is actually LOSING weight.

Anyway, SC is slowly trying to regain strength after some debillitating injuries, while the Irish are making a QB switch. The only real guarantee is that the Notre Dame stadium grass will be high.

Here's the breakdown:

Notre Dame

Offense - Could they be any worse? Ranked 111th in total offense (dead last in the nation in rushing) the Irish have been hilarious to watch . . . sometimes having trouble even snapping the ball to the QB. The OLine is horrific, giving up 23 sacks in the last 4 games. The Irish have asked QB Evan Sharpley to stem the tide, as he has actually improved since taking seven sacks himself in ND's first game of the year in about two quarters of work. We will probably see Jimmy Clausen play, however. The running backs are pedestrian to subpar, and with no weapons or experience at WR, the TE John Carlson qualifies as ND's best offensive weapon (22 rec. with 1 TD)

Defense - the ND defense ain't much better than the offense. The best player on the DLine is Trevor Laws, but as a unit they can't stop the run, nor do they get pressure on the QB. One of the more overrated players of our generation, safety Tom Zbikowski, leads a defensive unit that ranks 93rd in total defense.

Special Teams - the FG kicker, Walker, doesn't make anything over 30 yards, and the return game is average. Freshmen Armando Allen and Golden Tate return kicks, and Zbikowski handles the punt returns.

USC

Offense - it looks as if QB Mark Sanchez will get his second start behind an OLine that is trying to incorporate reserve LT Butch Lewis and RG Tiny Malu. This unit should still be able to run the ball with CWashington and JMcKnight against a very weak ND run defense. The WRs just have to come through in this game - Patrick Turner where are you?! TE Fred Davis is a "go to" player vs. the slow ND linebackers.

Defense - ND is tailor-made for the Trojan defense. The team ranks 5th vs. the run, and the DLine should have no problems putting pressure on the ND Oline and QB. ND will probably go to the short passing game (like everybody else) because SC should shut down the poor Irish running game. Even with Mad Dog Mualuga out or playing very sparingly, MLBs TWilliams and LBrown should be able to handle things. One key is for returning LB BCushing to lock down the Irish TE on passing routes.

Special Teams - the return game finally got a jolt from JMcKnight. But he'll have to be smarter on punts than he was vs. Arizona in a hostile environment like ND stadium. Look for kick returner RoJo to get loose this game. DBuehler has been solid this year, but the high grass will be a different surface for him to get used to.

Prediction Time:

USC - 31

ND - 6

Trojans Outlast 'Zona, 20 - 13

Before the season started, no one would have predicted that the most important game of the year would be Arizona. But it was. SC had to win no matter what, and they finally got some clutch offensive and defensive plays when they needed them. It wasn't pretty, but pretty went out the window a long time ago.

Let's get to the grades:

Offense -

QB - Much like the backup QB for Stanford, Mark Sanchez survived the first three quarters to make a few good plays in the all important 4 quarter. His stats, 19 - 31 for 130+ yards, 1TD and 2 INTs, weren't really the issue. SC needed a win, and he contributed. Grade: C+

RB/FB - CWashington had a terrific first quarter TD run, but not too much else, and JMcKnight contributed a 50+ yard run in the 4th quarter. It was hit and miss, even in short yardage situations, with no real rhythm established. Grade: C+

WR/TE - Fred "The Truth" Davis is the most reliable playmaker in the passing game, and he proved it again with the game winning TD catch. The WRs continue to feel there way around with no marked impact on the game. Grade: C

OLine - Dang . . . this unit is beat up. Even the indestructible one . . . Sam Baker . . . limped out of the ball game. But they did not play badly. Certainly they didn't dominate for the run game (140+ yards rushing), but they kept Sanchez upright and did a serviceable job with 3 and 4 reserves in the game at the same time. Grade: C+

Defense -

DLine - Good game. They allowed only 22 yards of rushing in 16 carries. DE Kyle Moore may have had the biggest play when he knocked down an Arizona pass at the line of scrimmage on a 3rd down play with SC only leading 17 - 13 in the 4th quarter. DE Everson Griffen also had his first sack of the year. Grade: B+

LB - Another solid game for the LBs. Mad Dog Maualuga got hurt, but Luther Brown did a good job filling in. Keith Rivers and Thomas Williams were all over the field. Grade: B

DBs - This unit did a nice job against a team that came in with an all out passing game attack. 'Zona got about 230 yards in the air, but only for 7 yards per completion. CB TThomas and S KEllison were extremely active. Ellison had 9 tackles with a forced fumble. Grade: B

Special Teams: Nothing to write home about, but PR Joe McKnight provided the spark that lifted the Trojans out of the doldrums with a 50+ yard punt return right when SC needed it the most in the 4th quarter. The Trojans took the lead on the next play. Grade: C+

Coaching: Challenging day for the offensive coaches as they were dealing with backup players at important positions on OLine and at QB. The playcalling gave QB Sanchez some interesting choices and he clearly missed some reads before the snap and in his progressions, but the coaches returned to the running game in the 4Q that set up the win. On defense, SC bottled up the Wildcats with the tried and true formula of stopping the run first, and turning the 'Cats into a a one dimensional team. Grade: B minus

Game Balls:

Offense - TE Fred Davis

Defense - S Kevin Ellison

Special Teams - PR Joe McKnight

Prediction Winner: Payback (by one point over RickyBobby)

The Wildcats Come to Town

Alright . . . let's get on with the rest of the season. Its game number six, but its really Game One A.S. (after Stanford), and the Trojans need to get back to playing good football in all facets of the game.

There's some intrigue to this one as Trojan QB Mark Sanchez will step in for an injured J.D. Booty. And Arizona comes in a little down about their season, but they may have played their best game of the year vs. Wazzu last week as they beat the Cougars 48 - 20. So one team is coming off a devastating defeat, and the other their best victory . . . who will impose their will on the game?

Arizona

Offense: The great offensive experiment in the desert may slowly be paying dividends. Arizona has gone to a passing offense behind QB Willie Tuitama, and at least his stats are better than in previous seasons. He's got 15 TDs vs. 7 INTs, while completing 61% of his passes. 'Zona is also leaning on its true freshmen to produce: RB Nicholas Grigsby had a breakout game of 186 yards rushing and TE Rob Gronkowski caught 5 balls for 115 yards and a TD last week. Veteran WR Mike Thomas has been the main beneficiary of 'Zona's new wide open attack - he has 38 receptions and 6TDs.

Defense: This unit is not as good as they thought it would be. Once an upper-echeleon unit in the Pac 10, the 'Zona defense is now middle of the road or worse in every defensive category. And they haven't played great offensive teams. LB Spencer Larsen and DB Antoine Cason lead the defensive unit for the Cats.

Special Teams: Antoine Cason is a dangerous punt returner with one return of 70 yards for a score. The kicking game is strong for Arizona - the punter is the best in the Pac 10, and the FG kicker is solid making 10 - 13 FG attempts.

USC

Offense: QB Mark Sanchez saddles up as a first time starter this Saturday. He's talented, but shouldn't be made to carry the load vs. Arizona. Distributing the ball in the short passing game, and running the ball will most likely be the gameplan for the Trojans this weekend. The OLine with two backups and a couple of walking wounded will have to "man up" and protect the new QB, as well as open holes in the running game. TE Fred Davis is playing like an All American, so he should see his share of opportunities.

Defense: The unit has played very good ball all year (except for the infamous 4Q vs. Stanford) and will need to turn in another one vs. Arizona's passing game. The DLine can be disruptive by getting their hands in the passing lanes and not giving QB Tuitama enough time to look downfield. The Safeties and LBs will need to make the 'Zona WRs pay for crossing the middle, and will have to keep an eye on the TE. The CBs will be tested on the outside all game long. Terrell Thomas will have to take Cats WR Mike Thomas out of the game.

Special Teams - The word "special" doesn't apply to this unit. A contribution has to made from the return game sooner or later. A big return or TD would really help the Trojan offense and team spirits right about now.

Prediction Time:

USC - 27

Zona - 13

Trojans Up-Ended by the Farm, 24 - 23

This wasn't supposed to happen. The grave was dug, the only question was whether Stanford would walk into it, or be thrown in.

Instead, it was the Trojans who were pushin' up daisies on this night.

How could this happen!? Well, it was the old story - overconfidence, injuries to key players and a some lack of playmaking made for an upset special.

Let's get this grading over with!!!

Offense:

QB - It was a terrible night for Booty. Although a broken finger and mistakes by WRs were a detriment to his performance, he's still the captain of the ship, and the ship sank. And it was mostly due to his (4) INTs in the second half. Grade: F

RBs - The Trojans were limited, but CWashington and HDennis ran okay averaging 4.0 ypc

for nearly 120 yards combined. But they couldn't break into the second level very often for very big gainers. Stafon Johnson was really missed. Grade: C +

WRs/TE - When you look at PTurner's catch total - nine - you'd think he had a big game. But the opposite was true . . . he had a couple of big drops, including a 3rd down drive killer in the first quarter and a drop on the last drive that could have helped SC win the game at the end. Once again, TE Fred Davis was dominating - 5 rec. for 152 yards, including a 60 yard TD catch and run. But even he also had a costly fumble after a 20 yard catch. VHazelton chipped in with four recpetions, but is far from being a weapon at this point. DAusberry is nowhere to be found. And RoJo finally got deep for a 47 yard TD. Grade: C minus

OLine - Well, this beat up unit had a rough day. Spanos and Herberer did not have banner days as replacements, and the line got beat by Stanford blitzes for four sacks. Now it was mostly because SC became one dimensional in the 4th quarter with the pass, but the OLine was only average in run blocking as well. Grade: C minus

Defense:

DLine - Sedrick "the Beast" Ellis had three more sacks to add to his All American resume. The rest of the DLine combined for 13 tackles which was good. But none of that came in the clutch.

Grade: B

LBs - Rey Maualuga turned in another good game, leading the Trojans in tackles with 10, including a sack. KRivers and KMaiava had solid games with 6 and 5 tackles, respectively.

Grade: B

DBs - A good performance, until the last 5 minutes of the game when it counted. How you let a team pass for a first down on 4th and 20 I'll never know. And it was SC's best - Terrell Thomas - who got beat in coverage. And then came the fade pass over MMcCurtis for the winner . . . disgusting. The funny thing is that this unit broke up a season high (8) passes, and TMays even had an INT. But again, none of this occurred when the Trojans really needed it.

Grade: C minus

Special Teams

Kickers/Returners - DBuehler missed a PAT . . . and wouldn't you know that its the game margin of victory for Stanford. Returners - no impact. Grade: D

Coaching: The offensive gameplan again tried to force the passing game, in my opinion, to disastrous results. The struggles of Booty coming into the game should have led them to run right over a team that was ranked just about last in every defensive rushing category. Instead, the game was put into Booty's hands, and it failed. Not having key players with speed was a big problem, but teams have worn Stanford down by just pounding them . . . SC decided not to do it. The coaches flat out took Stanford for granted. On defense, the team played well. But the staff has to be concerned about the players not putting the game away when they had the chance to. They've got to challenge some seniors to make plays to keep this kind of debacle from happening again. Grade: D

Game Balls: None - there were some good individual performances by FDavis and RMaualuga. But game balls after a game like this just can't be given out.

Prediction winner: Congrats D-Train . . . you were the closest in this stinker.

Stanford Prepares to Meet Maker

Does this look like a man who knows what he's doing?

No coach in recent history made as much of a splash as Jim Harbaugh did when he attacked the Big Dog of the Pac 10 conference (USC) as soon as he was hired. Speculating on Pete Carroll's future and announcing that his program was "afraid of no man" was not a great way to win friends and influence people as the new kid in town.

But now the trash talk has stopped . . . the season started, and Harbaugh and the Stanford Cardinal limp into the Coliseum to face the Trojans losers of their last (3) games - all by 38 pts. or more. Harbaugh is Mr. Humble now, with nothing but good things to say about the Trojans . . . too bad that won't stop SC from throwing Harbaugh to the lions on this coming Saturday. Let's break this feeding down . . .

Stanford

Offense: The Cardinal come in without starting QB T.C. Ostrander who suffered a seizure a few days ago. That means Tavita Pritchard steps into the role only having thrown (3) passes in his career. Known as a good athlete, Pritchard may have to do all the running himself as the Cardinal rushing offense ranks 9th in the Pac 10 averaging only 116 ypg behind RB Anthony Kimble and a few others. The WRs are the strength of the team with Mark Bradford, Evan Moore and deep threat Richard Sherman . . . but will QB Pritchard be able to find them?

Defense: Simply put, the Stanford defense can't stop the run. They rank last in the conference giving up nearly 200 ypg. They will be missing their best DLineman in Ekom Udofia who is injured. LB Bo McNally is the leader of the unit with team highs in tackles and INTs. He will be very busy on Saturday.

Special Teams: The FG kicker missed two FGs in Stanford's loss to ASU last week, and is a little shaky. The return game for Stanford is average.

USC

Offense: After a subpar game last week, SC's players and coaches will be paying serious attention to detail in this game. Thanks to (16) penalties last week, SC ranks last in the category in the Pac 10, so mistakes must be limited. SC's offense will be able to run or pass vs. the Cardinal, so we'll see a little of everything. QB Booty just needs to get his timing and touch back and limit the turnovers. The WRs also need to run sharp routes. The running game will be interesting to watch as Stafon Johnson probably will not play, Gable is out for the year, plus Chauncey Washington has a sore shoulder. So ABradford, HDennis and JMcKnight should get the majority of carries in this game behind an OLine that will have new starters at center (MSpanos) and right guard (ZHerberer).

Defense: It will be time for SC's defense to pin their ears back and tee off on the Cardinal offense who shouldn't be able to do anything. Stanford's offense ranks last in first downs (and that was behind the starting QB!), now they face the best defense in the Trojans with a backup QB . . . it will be ugly. Look for SC's DLine and LBs to have a big game and force some turnovers.

Special Teams: Watch for new kick returner Ronald Johnson to break one in this game. And Joe McKnight should get some opportunities to return punts once the game is out of hand . . . which should be by the second quarter.

Prediction Time:

USC - 52

Stanford - 3

Escape from Seattle . . . SC wins 27 - 24

It doesn't get any more frustrating than SC's performance against Washington . . . actually it does . . . SC could have lost.

But it was just one of those days where everything that could go wrong seemingly did. Turnovers, penalties, bad execution, and questionable play-calling all played a part in this sub-par performance by the Trojans.

SC definitely brought its "D" game, especially offensively, to Seattle . . . so they'll be some tough love given out to some units of the team in this grade breakdown:

Offense:

QB - Well, JD Booty probably had the worst film session he's had since he's been at SC, the day after the game. The missed "reads", interceptions, and lack of proper touch on his throws were killers. He started off well, and then went downhill as the game progressed and finished completing only 54% of his passes with 2 INTs. Grade: D

RB/FB - Another very good performance. Both Stafon Johnson and Chauncey Washington finished with over 100 yards rushing. They broke tackles and got to the second level of the defense consistently. FB Stanley Havili had his first sub-par game, dropping a pass that would have been a TD. Grade: B +

WRs/TEs - The game started strong here. WR Patrick Turner is definitely hitting stride with 6 catches and a TD in the game. But 5 of those catches came in the first half. And any kind of downfield chemistry between Booty and the other WRs (Hazleton and Ausberry) is just elusive right now. TE Fred Davis was a terrific weapon once again. Grade: C minus

OLine - Another strong performance despite losing two key OLinemen (O'Dowd and Rachal) on the same play no less. They helped produce another 200 yard plus rushing game, and QB Booty was only sacked once, and that was on a naked bootleg. Grade: B +

Defense:

DLine - Good game. We said in our preview that SC's DLine had to keep contain on UW's QB and the DLine played their lanes well for the most part, and shut down UW's overall run game (only 100 yards). They only had one sack, but you aren't going to get a bunch vs. a guy like Locker, so give the DLine credit for having (3) tackles for loss in the game. Grade: B

LBs - Rey Maualuga had his best game with 10 tackles, and the unit as a whole held Locker down pretty well. In our preview we said to play QB Locker "like a running back", and the LBs did a nice job holding him to 50 yards on 2.8 per carry, when he was averaging 90 yards per game and over 6 yards per carry coming into the game. Thomas "Hit Man" Williams also had a nice INT on UW's first drive. Grade: B +

DBs - Despite not giving up anything (Locker was 13- 28 with an INT and only 90 yards passing) this unit had too many pass interference and late hit penalties that kept UW drives alive. Grade: C

Special Teams

Kickers - David Buehler was 2 for 3 on FGs and kicked the ball well on kickoffs. SC's punter had a punt blocked, though, after a high snap by Will Collins.

Returners/Coverage - The returners could have done more vs. a weak UW special teams unit. RoJo was a surprise kickoff return starter after Gable was scratched due to injury. He did okay, along with Desmond Reed on punts. The coverage units were solid, with Terrell Thomas making a huge play stripping the ball away and making the recovery on a UW punt return.

Grade: C minus

Coaching - Interesting deal here:

I thought the gameplan on offense and defense was good. The "in game" adjustments were bad, at least offensively. SC saw some opportunities downfield in the passing game, but when the players showed they couldn't execute thoe plays consistently, the offensive coaches should have gone back to the bread and butter Run Game which was working.

Defensively, the gameplan worked. UW's offense didn't get anything on SC's defense, that they weren't given by SC's offensive turnovers and a bad special teams play. But SC's defensive players were a little over-zealous in some cases, resulting in penalties. The defensive coaches may have pumped them up a little too much to get in good hits on the running QB, etc. Grade: C minus

Game balls:

* Offense - RB Stafon Johnson

* Defense - LB Rey Maualuga

* Special Teams - CB Terrell Thomas

Prediction Winner - B-Dub (Guessed the opponents scored correctly)

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