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.