USC Football: Trojan Grades for Virginia and Fixes for Minnesota
The University of Southern California (No. 18*) Trojan defense looked much better in the 17-14 win over the Virginia Cavaliers on September 11, while the offense looked worse and special teams were a little less effective.
As Lane Kiffin stated, USC flip flopped in this game so it is difficult to make conclusions from a single game. However, it was a huge disappointment to the team, coaches, and fans especially due to 13 penalties for 140 yards, including holding penalties that called back a long touchdown and a 4th down conversion.
But, this game will be a motivator for further improvement and there are many teachable opportunities.
Here is the slideshow with the grades for the improvements identified in the September 9, 2010, article, “Ten Things the Trojans Must Fix in Virginia Cavaliers Home Opener.” The grades are based on this improvement scale from the first game against the Hawaii Warriors:
A: Significant improvement
B: Small improvement
C: No change
D: Small decrease
F: Significant decrease
At the end of the slideshow is the overall grade, and new areas to improve for the Minnesota Gophers game on September 18, 2010.
* AP Week 3 Poll
1. Tackle, Tackle, Tackle Including Run to the Ball and Gang Tackling
1 of 11
Grade B
Better tackling and pursuit, however still too many yards given up because runner or receiver was not wrapped up and got loose.
The Monte Kiffin defense is better suited for the Virginia offense than the spread or pistol.
2.Defensive Line Must Assert Itself to Hurry the Passer and Slow the Run
2 of 11
Grade C+
Still not close to playing well and it is hurting the entire defense. Virginia’s quarterback had too much time to throw, and running backs had time to pick holes.
However, there were 2 sacks, and USC did hold Virginia on a 3rd and 4th down with less than a yard. Nick Perry looked good until he re-injured his ankle.
3.Better Pass Coverage by Defensive Backs
3 of 11
Grade B+
Good improvement especially considering how much time the quarterback had to find receivers.
T.J. McDonald’s interception in the end zone made a big difference in the game, and he played outstanding.
Nickell Robey was also a bright spot and he showed what he learned from the Hawaii game about getting turned on deep balls and forcing the receiver to the boundary on fades.
4.Linebackers Must Improve Tackling and Coverage
4 of 11
Grade B+
Coverage was improved but the Cavaliers are a much different team than Hawaii so that was expected.
Tackling was also improved.
5.Defense and Special Teams Must Create Turnovers
5 of 11
Grade C+
The one interception was an improvement, but this was offset by the Matt Barkley fumble.
USC needs to be positive in turnover margin every game.
6.Reduce Penalties to Less Than 7 and 70 Yards Especially by the Defense
6 of 11
Grade F-
Penalties probably cost USC 2-3 scores and helped Virginia score their last TD.
The offense had 7 penalties (3 false starts, 1 unsportsmanlike conduct, and 3 holding).
The defense had 3 personal fouls, and special teams had 1 personal foul, 1 holding, and 1 illegal block.
The impact of the penalties was increased because many happened at the wrong time and either took away USC points or helped Virginia score.
This is now the most important area to improve.
7.Special Teams Consistency in Extra Points and Field Goals
7 of 11
Grade B
Only a 47-yard field goal was missed and it was barely wide.
Punter Jake Hartman punted seven times at 42.7 average with deep kickoffs.
Special teams had 3 penalties and no long returns.
8.Involve Freshman Dillon Baxter in the Offense but Avoid Turnovers
8 of 11
Grade B
No turnovers, and 9 rushes for 49 yards (5.4 average) with 2 receptions for 8 yards.
Good first game and he got yardage even when there were no holes.
Dillon Baxter will be better than Joe McKnight.
9.Involve More Pass Receivers Like Stanley Havili and Brice Butler
9 of 11
Grade A-
While the overall passing game was not as effective due to the lack of time caused by the poor pass protection, Matt Barkley did a great job of spreading the ball to 8 receivers:
Robert Woods (3)
Ronald Johnson (5)
Stanley Havili (3)
Marc Tyler (2)
Jordan Cameron (2 with 1 TD)
Brandon Carswell (2 with 1 TD)
Dillon Baxter (2)
David Ausberry (1)
10.Avoid Injuries Especially to Offensive Line, Linebackers, Defensive Backs
10 of 11
Grade C
No injury report available yet, but Nick Perry re-injured his ankle and was on crutches after the game.
Jordan Cameron also got a concussion at the end of the game.
Overall Grade and New Improvement Areas For Minnesota Gopher Game
11 of 11
Overall Grade C- due to the penalties and decrease in effectiveness of the offense.
New improvement areas for the Minnesota Gopher game:
1. Offensive line must block better and give Matt Barkley time to throw and the open holes for the running backs.
2. The offense must increase the intensity level in practice and games.
3. Improve effectiveness of blitzing on defense especially since it is so predictable on 3rd downs now.
4. Offense, Defense, and Special Teams have a good game together.
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