Its the Pac 10 opener, people - so let's get it crackin'.
Washington State comes to town with a hot QB and a suspect defense. The Trojans come back to the friendly confines of the Coliseum after a road grading win over Nebraska. Wazzu gave SC a tough game last year, and say they look forward to the rematch this Saturday. But they better be careful what they wish for. This SC team can be dominating, and still hasn't found its identity yet.
Here's the tale of the tape:
Washington State
Offense - QB Alex Brink comes in with a 73% complete rate and 10 TDs and only 2 INTs vs. Wisc., SDSU and Idaho. He attacked SC's cornerbacks early in last year's match up with SC, and I expect him to do the same this year. He's smart and gets rid of the ball quickly. Dwayne Tardy is a solid RB, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. The WR corp is the strength with two active players in Bumpus and Gibson. They have (6) TD catches between them. The OLine does a nice job of protecting Brink in the quick passing game. Watch for WR Jeshua Anderson (a So. Cal. kid) on the deep routes.
Defense - This is the worrisome aspect for Wazzu as they gave up 28 pts to Idaho who traded TD for TD with the Cougars for most of that game. Wazzu doesn't put a lot of pressure on the passer and has two brand new CBs on defense, so that played a big part in giving up 42 and 28 pts mostly through the air to Wisconsin and Idaho.
Special Teams - The Cougars have a solid field goal kicker, but don't do too much in the return game.
USC
Offense - Well . . . we know the running attack is humming. The Johnson/Gable combo at RB is in great sync with the OLine. But the passing game could also get on track this week vs. Wazzu because they are weak vs. the pass. WR Pat Turner looks to redeem himself, and I think SC's play calls will give him that chance. QB Booty has played efficiently, and if the OLine repeats its performance from last Saturday, the Cougs will have very little chance.
Defense - This unit will face another "quick" passing team in Brink and Wazzu this week. The CBs will again have to keep people in front of them, and the pass rush will have to be quick. But I think the defensive scheme will have to try and take away Brink's first passing option, and be prepared for him to scramble (he picked up 31 yards rushing last week.) The LBs will have to watch DTardy on screens and mis-direction as Wazzu will probably try to take advantage of SC's quick pursuit to the initial ball movement.
Special Teams - Gable takes the place of the injured VJosesph on kickoff returns, and he'll do very well. DBuehler usually kicks very well off the Coliseum grass, so expect a few touchbacks on kickoffs.
Prediction Time:
USC - 34
WSU - 10
Washington State comes to town with a hot QB and a suspect defense. The Trojans come back to the friendly confines of the Coliseum after a road grading win over Nebraska. Wazzu gave SC a tough game last year, and say they look forward to the rematch this Saturday. But they better be careful what they wish for. This SC team can be dominating, and still hasn't found its identity yet.
Here's the tale of the tape:
Washington State
Offense - QB Alex Brink comes in with a 73% complete rate and 10 TDs and only 2 INTs vs. Wisc., SDSU and Idaho. He attacked SC's cornerbacks early in last year's match up with SC, and I expect him to do the same this year. He's smart and gets rid of the ball quickly. Dwayne Tardy is a solid RB, and can catch the ball out of the backfield. The WR corp is the strength with two active players in Bumpus and Gibson. They have (6) TD catches between them. The OLine does a nice job of protecting Brink in the quick passing game. Watch for WR Jeshua Anderson (a So. Cal. kid) on the deep routes.
Defense - This is the worrisome aspect for Wazzu as they gave up 28 pts to Idaho who traded TD for TD with the Cougars for most of that game. Wazzu doesn't put a lot of pressure on the passer and has two brand new CBs on defense, so that played a big part in giving up 42 and 28 pts mostly through the air to Wisconsin and Idaho.
Special Teams - The Cougars have a solid field goal kicker, but don't do too much in the return game.
USC
Offense - Well . . . we know the running attack is humming. The Johnson/Gable combo at RB is in great sync with the OLine. But the passing game could also get on track this week vs. Wazzu because they are weak vs. the pass. WR Pat Turner looks to redeem himself, and I think SC's play calls will give him that chance. QB Booty has played efficiently, and if the OLine repeats its performance from last Saturday, the Cougs will have very little chance.
Defense - This unit will face another "quick" passing team in Brink and Wazzu this week. The CBs will again have to keep people in front of them, and the pass rush will have to be quick. But I think the defensive scheme will have to try and take away Brink's first passing option, and be prepared for him to scramble (he picked up 31 yards rushing last week.) The LBs will have to watch DTardy on screens and mis-direction as Wazzu will probably try to take advantage of SC's quick pursuit to the initial ball movement.
Special Teams - Gable takes the place of the injured VJosesph on kickoff returns, and he'll do very well. DBuehler usually kicks very well off the Coliseum grass, so expect a few touchbacks on kickoffs.
Prediction Time:
USC - 34
WSU - 10
6 comments:
SC- 51
Wazzu-21
'SC - 38
Wazzu - 12
SC - 52
WSU - 24
SC - 41
Wazzu - 17
47-14
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