USC Needs to Win With Style

An unimpressive last quarter win over either Notre Dame or UCLA, and the Trojans will not be playing this January. I guarantee it.

So, how does Carroll and his staff make sure the Trojans rack up style points?

For one thing they need to see that the O-line shows up for the first half. Not getting it together before halftime can be hazardous to USC’s health in the BCS standings.

The other thing to note, balance is not a category in the BCS computations. The computers as well as the coaches who vote look at the final scores, not at a 50-50 balance between rushing and passing plays.

What a 50-50 balance does is put pressure on a defense. But it also puts pressure on a quarterback who is still trying to find his game and isn’t Heisman quality yet like several of the quarterbacks on other highly-ranked teams.

In short, the Trojans need to put the final two games squarely on the shoulders of the O-line and the versatile cadre of running backs. Let the running game set up the passing game.

Balance is important when it comes to checking accounts, diets and budgets. But as far as the BCS is concerned, balance just does not compute.

Strength of schedule and margin of victory are the two items that matter most in the rankings. However, Notre Dame and UCLA will have as much impact on strength of schedule as a diet soda at Charlie Wiess’ breakfast table.

Margin of victory on the other hand can impress both the coaches and the computers.

While defenses ultimately win games, they don’t do it with style. And if there’s one thing USC needs now, it’s style. That means a strong offensive showing.

A tenacious defense and explosive special teams can give the offense a short field. But the offense must convert.

And when you are fighting for a BCS birth and maybe even a shot at the title, field goals just won’t do.

David Buehler may just be the most consistent place kicker in all of college football, but padding his stats will do little to gain a BCS birth. Instead, the Trojans must reach pay dirt early and often.

So, it is up to offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to design a game plan that can do just that. He needs to take the pressure off quarterback Mark Sanchez and put the game in the hands of the Trojans talented running backs.

Rely on the Trojans five-star O-line to handle the big guys up front. Pound the ball. Force the defensive backs to play in close to stop the run. That will open up the passing lanes for Sanchez and his receivers.

The Trojans don’t need to match the number of running plays with passing plays. The only thing they need to match is the point spread, which will be huge in both of these games.

So, don’t sacrifice style for balance.

To paraphrase Vince Lombardi, when it comes to the BCS rankings, style isn’t everything…it’s the only thing.

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