Cal @ USC -7'
Big and only revenger for Trojans and it comes at a nice time as they are catching Cal off road revenger vs OSU Beavers. Cal was geared up to break 5 game losing streak versus Beavers and did just that with the help of Beavers QB Anderson. Both these teams are extremely talented on offense but the difference here lies with the defense and special teams. Neither team has faced imposing opponents but give the edge to USC who played road games at Va Tech (DC) and at BYU. Cal only road games were at young and inexperienced Air Force in the first game of the year and at mistake prone Oregon State as game vs USM was cancelled due to Hurricane.
The offenses are even, both run and pass very well and have experienced QB's. Both have experienced and saavy offense coordinators who run the show and make excellent in game adjustments. In LY game, Cal dominated the time of possession behind QB play of Reggie Robertson and RB Joe Echema. Remember, Rodgers was hammered in this game and eventually pulled in favor of Robertson at half who is more mobile and able to escape pressure. USC QB Lienhart had what was his worst day all season as he threw 3 picks and frequently overthrew open receivers. Cal was able to run the ball as Jo Echema gained 147 on the ground and he was the only RB to run for over 100 against SC.
Defense and special teams are a different story. SC has far better punting and kicking games than Cal. But this game is going to be won by the Trojan defense and it's ability to confuse Cal and make them change plays at the line of scrimmage. Another area that sticks out is the Turnover battle. Despite the below average talent that Cal has played this year where their opponents have been in obvious passing situations because they have been behind in the game, Cal is a woeful -1 on the turnover margin, forcing only 4 and giving up 5. You ask why this is important well the combined turnover margin of the teams that Cal has played is (-14). {OSU (-9), NMSU (-4), and AirForce (-1)}. AFA and NMSU are option teams the were behind big and Cal did not force TO's. OSU just has an idiot at QB. Expect USC to win the game in this aspect as they will force a turnover or two that will be cover difference in this game (I beleive).
This year SC is focused. HC Carroll admitted after last years game that he focused his defense too much on the pass and neglected the Cal run game. He took this and still does take this one personal. Carroll's goal each year is to win the championship of California and that starts with winning games versus instate rivals. In OT LY SC fumbled on a play running into the endzone in what would have been a game winning TD in OT and missed a FG. They also blocked a FG from Cal in OT.
It's open for debate, so let it begin. Back with other games later.
GL,
WinOne!!
Big and only revenger for Trojans and it comes at a nice time as they are catching Cal off road revenger vs OSU Beavers. Cal was geared up to break 5 game losing streak versus Beavers and did just that with the help of Beavers QB Anderson. Both these teams are extremely talented on offense but the difference here lies with the defense and special teams. Neither team has faced imposing opponents but give the edge to USC who played road games at Va Tech (DC) and at BYU. Cal only road games were at young and inexperienced Air Force in the first game of the year and at mistake prone Oregon State as game vs USM was cancelled due to Hurricane.
The offenses are even, both run and pass very well and have experienced QB's. Both have experienced and saavy offense coordinators who run the show and make excellent in game adjustments. In LY game, Cal dominated the time of possession behind QB play of Reggie Robertson and RB Joe Echema. Remember, Rodgers was hammered in this game and eventually pulled in favor of Robertson at half who is more mobile and able to escape pressure. USC QB Lienhart had what was his worst day all season as he threw 3 picks and frequently overthrew open receivers. Cal was able to run the ball as Jo Echema gained 147 on the ground and he was the only RB to run for over 100 against SC.
Defense and special teams are a different story. SC has far better punting and kicking games than Cal. But this game is going to be won by the Trojan defense and it's ability to confuse Cal and make them change plays at the line of scrimmage. Another area that sticks out is the Turnover battle. Despite the below average talent that Cal has played this year where their opponents have been in obvious passing situations because they have been behind in the game, Cal is a woeful -1 on the turnover margin, forcing only 4 and giving up 5. You ask why this is important well the combined turnover margin of the teams that Cal has played is (-14). {OSU (-9), NMSU (-4), and AirForce (-1)}. AFA and NMSU are option teams the were behind big and Cal did not force TO's. OSU just has an idiot at QB. Expect USC to win the game in this aspect as they will force a turnover or two that will be cover difference in this game (I beleive).
This year SC is focused. HC Carroll admitted after last years game that he focused his defense too much on the pass and neglected the Cal run game. He took this and still does take this one personal. Carroll's goal each year is to win the championship of California and that starts with winning games versus instate rivals. In OT LY SC fumbled on a play running into the endzone in what would have been a game winning TD in OT and missed a FG. They also blocked a FG from Cal in OT.
It's open for debate, so let it begin. Back with other games later.
GL,
WinOne!!
