USC Football: Trojans Fixes for Washington State Cougars and Washington Huskies

The University of Southern California (No. 20*) Trojans played its best half in the 32-21 win over the Minnesota Golden Gophers on September 18, and showed a much improved rush defense (only 83 yards in 37 attempts)  and offense (216 yards rushing) with fewer penalties (7 for 71 yards).

Last week’s article, “Trojan Grades for Virginia and Fixes for Minnesota,” discussed the improvement grades from the Virginia Cavaliers game on September 11 and additional fixes needed.  USC flip-flopped from the first game and earned an overall C- improvement grade.

However, in the Minnesota game the Trojans showed good improvements in all areas except:

- Pass coverage by defensive backs and especially the second corner spot
- Turnovers by the offense
- Special team consistency in extra points
- The entire team (offense, defense, and special teams) having a good game together

Matt Barkley started well, but two interceptions and the inability to complete a pass after a vicious face mask penalty resulted in his worse game this year.  He still finished with almost 200 yards and over 60 percent accuracy with 2 touchdowns.

Three touchdowns came on exciting plays beginning with Ronald Johnson’s 53 yard reception touchdown in the second quarter. 

That was followed by an electrifying 97 yard kickoff return touchdown by freshman Robert Woods in the third quarter where he appeared to be going so fast that his feet never touched the ground.  This was a game changing run. 

Finally, a 56-yard run touchdown by Allen Bradford in the fourth quarter sealed the win. 

The big plays were needed because USC was ineffective on third downs, converting only 4 of 10.

The defense forced three turnovers, and the only major disappointments were two interceptions by Matt Barkley with one a miscommunication with the tight end Rhett Ellison and the other a bad decision. 

The Trojan defense gave up 224 yards passing including three third and long first downs.

For the second consecutive week the Trojans’ defense gave up a late touchdown to make the final score close, upsetting those who rely on the point spread. 

Three missed extra two-point conversions did not help, but the practice may pay off later when they are needed.  In the meantime, the USC strategy continues to be criticized.

So, what does USC need to fix in the Washington State game?

There needs to be at least three complete quarters with the offense, defense, and special teams playing well together. 

Consistency and discipline (including fewer penalties) continue to be the key since USC has shown patches of excellence in every game only to have them offset by mistakes.

Of course, the pass coverage needs to improve and this is likely to be a “project” all season due to inexperience.

After the Minnesota game, Lane Kiffin said “We have a long, long way to go, and a lot of stuff to work on.” 

He said the same thing after each of the three Trojan victories this year, but he acknowledged that the defensive front seven played better than he originally thought after watching the game film.

Kiffin also said "I do feel us coming together better.  This comes with experience...We're definitely better than we were three weeks ago."

The Trojans finish their four game “preseason” this weekend with Washington State. 

Games begin to get much more difficult starting with Washington Huskies on October 2. 

USC must have a complete game against the Huskies, or the Trojans will not be ready for the Stanford Cardinals (No. 16*) on October 9. 

Only if the Trojans show consistency and discipline that has been lacking in earlier games will they be competitive in the tough Pac-10 this year.

It is also important that USC avoids injury.  There have been few injuries in the first three games.

The Pac-10 does not get any easier with the Oregon Ducks (No. 5), Arizona Wildcats (No. 14*) and Oregon State Beavers (No. 24*) being ranked in the top 25.

This is why Lane Kiffin believes that the Trojans have a long way to go. 

But, he knows that you play one game at a time, and USC is getting better.

However, the Trojans must practice well every day instead of a few days each week to have the chance to be good enough.

So, if USC practices improve this week then expect a complete game against the Cougars on Saturday.

This is exactly what the Trojans need before the better Pac-10 teams.

*AP Week 4 Poll