For Pete's Sake: Six Things Coach Carroll Can Do To Get USC Back in Pac-10 Race

Once again, the Trojans of USC have managed to lose a game to an unranked, double-digit underdog, conference opponent.

The difference between this loss and the similar losses the Trojans have had in years past is the Men of Troy may not be able to rebound.

The Trojans came into this season with a lot of questions about how they would be able to replace all of the talent they lost to the draft and graduation. Anyone who follows college football knows the talent is there for USC.

But can those players be ready to step up to the plate and deliver?

It is one thing to have the ability, but it is another to turn that ability into something special.

If the Washington game did anything other than tear the hearts out of the Trojan faithful, it exposed the many shortcomings of this year’s team.

The good news for USC is the season is still young and there is a lot of football left to play. The Pac-10 conference is still wide open. While Cal has definitely begun to separate itself from the pack, they are not out of the woods yet.

The bad news for USC is that they are going to have to make some changes, and make them in a hurry. This is a team with all of the talent in the world, but seems to be missing that magical piece that brings everything together.

One thing is certain—if the Trojans do not make some adjustments, they could be in for a long, unsuccessful season.

6. Improve Turnover Margin

The mark of great teams is the ability to create turnovers and maintain possession of the football. Thus far, the Trojans have done a poor job at this crucial aspect of the game.

USC has turned the ball over six times this year.

Six turnovers in three games are not good.

If Pete Carroll and company are going to get this offense turned around, it has to start with keeping the ball. You cannot turn the ball over and expect to win games.

When we turn our sights to the other side of the ball, things do not look any better when it comes to turnovers.

So far this year, the USC defense has only been able to create three turnovers. That is a pathetic number when you think about how strong the secondary is, and how athletic and fast the defense is overall.

While the Trojans' defense has played strong this year and been a bright spot for Carroll, they need to find a way to create more turnovers.

By creating turnovers, the USC defense will do two things: 1. Give the offense more opportunities, and 2. Break the will of the opposing team.

The talent is there and if the Trojans can create a few more turnovers and hold onto the ball, they could find themselves in a much better position.

5. Convert on Third Down

Third downs are key to extending drives and controlling the clock. The Trojans have done a poor job of converting on third downs so far this year.

USC is 8 of 35 for a whopping 22.9 percent on third down this year. That is a terrible percentage. If Carroll wants to right the ship, USC needs to improve in third down situations.

For a team that is averaging 6.0 yards per carry on the season, the task would not seem impossible. But something does not seem to be clicking when USC is faced with a third down. 

Jeremy Bates needs to do a better job of mixing things up and putting the Trojans' offense in a position to convert on third down. That being said, the players ultimately have to execute what is called and will need to prove that they can get the job done.

4. Utilize Athletes

USC has long been one of the most talented teams in the country and this year is no different. The Trojans have a plethora of playmakers at their disposal, but have yet to take advantage.

The offense is beyond bland at this point and something must be done. The first thing that comes to mind is Joe McKnight.

McKnight is one of the most explosive and exciting players in college football. He is a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

When McKnight gets into space, magic happens. The offense should be moving McKnight around several formations to create mismatches.

USC is ahead of the game in terms of talent available, but they seem to be in the Dark Ages when it comes to finding the best way to use what they have.

3. Find a Quarterback

The quarterback is the general; he is the driving force that will lead a team to victory.

USC needs to find a quarterback to lead its overflowing stable of talent on offense.

Aaron Corp showed against Washington that he is not going to be the one to lead the way. Mitch Mustain has the ability and experience, but seems to lack the motivation and dedication it takes to lead a team to that next level.

That leaves Matt Barkley, the promising true freshman, to right the ship.

Barkley was brought to USC to be "the guy." He is the future of Trojan football.

It is time to tell Barkley that the future is now.

If this team is going to make any waves this year and fight to defend its title, Barkley is going to have to be a driving force. Barkley needs to grow up quickly and realize that the offense will only go as far as he can lead them.

2. Open Up The Offense

The face of college football has changed over the past few years with the explosion of the spread offense. Teams are scoring at an alarming rate and if USC is going to stay relevant, they will need to find ways to score.

Being conservative and protecting an unproven quarterback is one thing, but the failure to take advantage of the weapons on hand is ghastly.

The time has come to open up that playbook, Mr. Bates, and score some points.

USC has no problem running the ball. The Trojans are averaging 236.7 rushing yards per game.

One would think that, with that kind of rushing attack, being able to pass and use the play-action would be simple. That is clearly not the case with these Trojans, as they have yet to prove that they can move the ball downfield through the air.

The Trojans' offense is in a state of stagnation and is in dire need of a spark and some of that old SC flash. The time has come to open of the playbook and take some chances.

"You can't lose what you don't put in the middle...but you can't win much, either."
-Mike McDermott from the movie "Rounders"

This quote rings ever so true in college football, as well. The fewer chances you take, the less room you leave for error. But with fewer chances come fewer opportunities.

1. Find an Identity

Great teams become great because they know who they are. They have an identity.

All teams in a state of transition must find their identity.

USC is at a crossroads between greatness and mediocrity. A decision must be made as to what type of team they are going to be.

Will they blossom into the flashy powerhouse they have been in years past? Or, will they become a conservative ball control team that relies on strong defense?

Who are these Trojans?

If USC is going to have any success this year, they will need to establish an identity. It is up to Carroll and his staff to rally the players and see what they are made of.

The time is now, Trojans. The time is now.