What I Thought Would Happen:
This line will be written many times this year, but USC will easily win this game. The offense should not break a sweat in putting up 500 yards of total offense. Look for Syracuse to keep the game interesting for a little over a quarter, but by halftime keep a wandering eye on the other games. There will probably be more compelling television out there.
This line will be written many times this year, but USC will easily win this game. The offense should not break a sweat in putting up 500 yards of total offense. Look for Syracuse to keep the game interesting for a little over a quarter, but by halftime keep a wandering eye on the other games. There will probably be more compelling television out there.
What Happened:
This was a tricky one. The Trojans played in a time
zone they usually reserve for their Orange Bowl games. Toss in a nasty weather
delay and there are some excuses to be made. However, this being the University of
Southern California, more was expected on Saturday. Matt Barkley boosted his
Heisman resume with a 6 TD performance, Robert Woods was his usual explosive
self and Silas Redd had his first 100 yard game as a Trojan. The concern stems
from what was really a sorry defensive performance from USC. Allowing 29 points
to what is admittedly a good passing Syracuse football team does not bode well
for PAC-12 play, namely the two expected games against Oregon. I understand
that Monte Kiffin’s Tampa 2 scheme is difficult to gain a grasp of, but this is
the third year in charge of the defense and progress needs to be
made throughout the season in order to avoid an upset bid. That being said,
Ryan Nassib very well could be the best passing quarterback USC faces the rest
of the season. Yes, Isiah Wiley is missed more than anticipated, but its not like Drew Brees will be dissecting this defense the rest of the year.
Final Score:
USC 42, Syracuse 29
The Good:
-
I know every pundit in America keeps harping on
this point, but the USC offense is just flat out special. Even when the other
team is moving the ball relatively well against the USC defense, the USC
offense still manages to find time to churn out 40 points.
-
Robert Woods had a very nice game catching the
football. The dude is a reception machine and his 10 catch, 2 TD game should go
a long way to erase any doubt about who the USC number 1 target is. At this
point, it is 1a and 1b.
-
Two Words. Silas Redd. I do not think we will
see Curtis McNeal listed solely atop the USC depth chart this year. McNeal is a
special talent who will get a ton of carries this year, but it just feels like
at worst it should be a Silas Redd or Curtis McNeal situation on the depth
chart listing. Lane Kiffin swears we shouldn’t read into the fact that Redd has
gotten more carries this year. In the end they will be in the same ballpark as
far as carries go, but get rid of the
idea of the backup running back here
The Bad and the Ugly:
-
The defense. Giving up over 300 yards passing is
a bad omen. The offense should easily average 40 points a game, but there will
be one game when things simply are not clicking. In that game, the defense will
be called upon to carry the team.
-
The loss of Khaled Holmes should not be
underestimated. Even if it is for a short time, which seems to be the case,
Holmes was the veteran leader of the offensive line. Cyrus Hobbi, the redshirt
freshman, will take over his spot.
Looking Ahead:
Next Saturday USC will face a
tricky encounter on the farm. Win that game, and USC should expect to be 8-0 on
November 3rd. However, any one of the remaining teams before that
encounter is capable of a shocker, save for Colorado. Therefore, USC must remained
focused in its quest for perfection.
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