The USC Trojans are singing that Willie Nelson classic, “On the Road Again”, as they venture up to Seattle to face a re-energized Washington Husky team. All of the drama surrounds the match up of former students vs. teacher, as former Trojan assistant coaches Steve Sarkisian and Nick Holt square off against Pete Carroll.
But the drama doesn’t end there. SC will have former first string QB Aaron Corp at the helm, and UW stadium can be a tough place to play. Can the Trojan take care of business, or will the Dawgs bite finally be bigger than its bark?
Let’s check out the matchups:
UW
Offense – The straw that stirs the drink for the Huskies is QB Jake Locker. A dual threat QB, Locker is slowly but surely improving his passing completing 60% with 5 TDs and 1 Int. He’s a good runner, as well. RB Chris Polk has provided some help in the running game, averaging 85 yards per contest. The receiver the Huskies count on is James Johnson who has a couple of TD catches this year.
Defense
The Husky defense is led by an active LB unit. MLB E.J. Savannah leads the team in tackles with (19), and OLBs Donald Butler and Mason Foster is an under-rated player with a nose for the ball. Upfront, DEs Daniel Te’o Nesheim and Cameron Elisara are pretty good pass rushers. Safety Nate Williams is the best DB in the Husky secondary.
USC
Offense – With QB Matt Barkley injured, Aaron Corp gets his chance to run the Trojan offense. Also a dual threat QB, Corp is a smooth player who moves the chains with smart decision making. Trojan RBs McKnight, Johnson, Bradford, et. al. will get plenty of opportunities as its always easier to run the ball in a noisy stadium. The WRs/TEs are chomping at the bit to have a break out game – could it happen here? The Huskies are a dismal 96th in the country in pass defense.
Defense – This unit has been excellent overall. The defensive line will once again have to play disciplined football to corral Husky QB Locker – led by DE Everson Griffen. DT Jurell Casey has been a monster so far in ’09. MLB Chris Galippo and OLB Mike Morgan have been extremely active, and CB Josh Pinkard and crew will have to be ready as Husky QB Locker has stayed in the pocket to pass more this year.
Prediction Time:
USC – 31
UW - 13
4 comments:
Game time!!!!
USC 28
UW 14
Ok...so it was a stretch to try to dominate in a hostile crowd at the 'Shoe with a frosh QB last week.
Crowd wasn't as bad as I thought based on their reputation for being the "worst fans" and what people were making them out to be, but they were not great either. I can't imagine what it would be like against a rival.
UW will not be as hostile bit likely quite loud based on the stadium config and with a 'new' QB, I'll try to be more reasonable.
SC - 38
UW - 13
'SC - 45
uw - 14
lsu scored plenty on uw - and lsu's offense isn't nearly ad good as the Trojans ... Thus, O helps D too ...
USC 27
UW 14
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