USC vs. Cal: Keys to Victory for Both Sides in Pac-12 Clash
The USC Trojans are the heavy favorites in this Pac-12 affair and California battle. The Ed Orgeron era has started well, and the team has gone 3-1, but the California Golden Bears will be looking for the upset at home. Here are the keys to the game for both sides.
Aerial Shootout vs. Battle on the Ground
Cal’s best shot at an upset is to make this a high-scoring game that’s played through the air. Its defense is abysmal against both the run and the pass (88th-ranked rushing defense and the worst passing defense), so USC is going to put points on the board.
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The biggest advantage for Cal is its high-octane passing offense, which is eighth in the country in passing yards per game.
Jared Goff will need to play the game of his life, but the Golden Bears will have a chance if they can keep up with USC and make it throw the ball.
Cal’s rushing defense is bad, so it can’t allow the Trojans to establish a lead and dominate the time of possession with the combination of Silas Redd and Tre Madden.
Cal’s best chance at the upset comes if Goff can play well and keep the game in the air.
Capitalizing on Red-Zone Opportunities
There is a huge disparity in the ability of these teams to perform in the red zone.
| USC | 88.5% (27th) | 58.3% (3rd) |
| Cal | 71.4% (112th) | 85.4% (85th) |
For Cal to come away with a win, it needs to seriously improve its red-zone efficiency. There is no margin for error, and it can’t afford to leave points on the board.
On defense, Cal needs to buckle down and stop the USC rushing attack in the red zone. Twelve of the Trojans' 15 red-zone touchdowns have come on the ground, so the Golden Bears need to stack the box and make Cody Kessler beat them.
The Golden Bears won’t be able to win without playing significantly better red-zone football than they have so far this year.
Turnovers
Holding onto the ball has been a serious problem for Cal this season. The Golden Bears have turned it over 25 times, and they have the second-worst turnover margin in the FBS.
With all of the aforementioned factors working in USC’s favor, Cal can’t afford to give USC the ball.
Cal's primary concern is leaving its defense on the field. It won’t be able to win this game if the defense is on the field longer than the offense. That defense needs all the help it can get—especially when it comes to field position.
In addition, Cal can’t just be content with not turning it over. It needs to be aggressive in trying to force Trojan turnovers.
USC is the superior team, and if it plays a mistake-free game, its considerable advantage in talent and depth will take over.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
