Somebody has to pay for SC's poor performance last week, and it might as well be the Washington State Cougars. The Cougars have been a downtrodden team the last few years, and come into this game 1 - 2, with losses to Stanford and Hawaii.
But this is still an important game for SC. The Trojans have to work on some things, and have a clean game all the way around. Better execution and quarterback play on offense are essential for USC to start climbing back up the ladder to elite status. It starts tonight.
Washington St.
Offense - Wazzu is another Spread team that has used two QBs, Kevin Lopina and Marshall Lobbestael. Neither QB has lit it up as they've combined for only 3 TDs and 5 INTs. The RB unit was hurt by the loss of James Montgomery for the season. Dwight Tardy takes over, and he has rushed for 117 yards in three games this year. WRs Jared Karstetter and Daniel Blackledge lead the team with (11) receptions apiece.
Defense - This unit is in bad shape. The Cougars rank 119th in total defense, giving up 537 yards per game. The pass defense ranks last in the country (120th), and the run defense isn't much better ranking 92nd. Safeties Xavier Hicks and Chima Nwachukwu have been extremely busy, leading the Cougars in tackles with (20) apiece.
USC
Offense - QB Matt Barkley is back, but not at 100%. Hopefully, he will be healthy enough to take some shots down-field and get the SC offense going against a porous Cougar defense. The running game should flow well behind an offensive line that has been very good this year. Expect a lot of RBs to play in this game. After last game, the WRs Damian Williams and David Ausberry would like to get a work out against the Wazzu CBs who get knocked over by a stiff breeze.
Defense - After three games of solid defense, this unit is looking to pitch a shutout versus the Cougars. The DLine should be able to get excellent penetration, and the DBs are looking to have a bounce back game after a sub-par effort last week. The LBs have been really good all year long behind Chris Galippo and Mike Morgan.
Prediction Time:
USC - 41
WSU - 0
3 comments:
It'll be a double post but here it is my call.
Wazzu - 10
'SC - 55
Watching the Duck and Bear (more like cubs) since Cal is getting their tail handed to them.
Let's get back on track!
SC - 51
Wazzu - 13
Damn....
The offensive play calling is less to be desired today.
The team was lifeless in the 2nd and 3rd quarters!!!
Unbelievable!!!
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