Showdown at CAL

Well, it’s time to ask the question: Will the real Trojan football team please stand up?!

We know about the growing pains of SC’s offense, but the Bears are coming off an embarrassing blowout loss to the Oregon Ducks. Both of these teams have one loss, and realize this game will determine who’s a contender, and who’s a pretender.

There’s simply no other way to look at it - it’s put up or shut up time. Let’s break it down:

CAL

Offense – RB Jahvid Best is the straw that stirs the drink for CAL. He’s the Pac 10’s leading rusher at 116 ypg, and a home run threat. But what type of game CAL has offensively may rest on the arm of QB Kevin Riley. Riley has decent stats (57% passer with 5 TDs and 0 INTs), but he couldn’t make a play last week when Oregon focused on Best and put the game in his hands. CAL’s OLine let Riley down too by allowing (5) sacks and (6) QB hurries. Bear WRs Verran Tucker and Marvin Jones are solid receivers, but the Bear passing game is not nearly as effective as when they had #1 WR Nyan Boateng who was lost to injury in game two of the season.

Defense – This unit has not lived up to the high expectations they had at the beginning of the year. There is great personnel at every level – DE Tyson Alualu, LB Mike Mohamed and CB Syd’Quan Thompson – are all active players and all conference candidates. But the defense against the run has been shaky, and teams are effectively using play action pass attacks against them. Giving up (42) points to the Ducks last week has left this unit with a bad taste in their mouths.

USC

Offense – Another big test for QB Matt Barkley and the Trojan offense. We know Barkley is not afraid of hostile environments, and he looked very good last week vs. Wazzu. The question is: Will the Trojan offense get out of its own way, and not kill itself with turnovers and untimely penalties?

SC’s ability to pass down-field is greatly enhanced with Barkley, and despite the loss of Stafon Johnson, RBs McKnight, Bradford and Gable should be able to take up the slack. This game is also the toughest test for the OLine since the Ohio St. game. Their ability to open holes for the RBs and protect Barkley (CAL is 2nd in the Pac 10 in sacks) is a key to the game. Playmaking WR Damian Williams will face some good Bear CBs, but he’ll have to be a factor for SC to win.

Defense – SC’s defense has played at a high level all season. There’s no time to let down now . . . especially against CAL’s run game. The Trojan DLine and LBs have excelled against the run game, and pressured passers very well. Their focus will no doubt be on CAL RB Jahvid Best – but watch for backup Shane Vereen, who is also a very good player. And after having an easy game last week, the Trojan DBs will be tested by a solid group of Bear WRs.

Prediction: This has the makings of a barn-burner, even though the score may low.

USC – 20

CAL - 16