2011 USC Foootball: Kiffin, Trojans, Plot Syracuse Orange Crush

USC coach Lane Kiffin has spent the week preparing his Trojan football team to battle the Syracuse Orange. What can USC football fans look forward to in this Saturday's game in the LA Coliseum?

It would appear that the improving but still movable object that is the USC defense will meet the stoppable force that is the Syracuse offense. The Orange have more than three times more passing yards than they do rushing yards, but aren't on the offensive side of the field very much.

USC coach Kiffin was buoyed by the USC defensive effort against Utah, proclaiming, "We're playing really well in all phases of the game. We're just not putting people away." The Trojans are still not covering the middle of the field late in plays, leaving it open to big-yardage passes, especially in crucial third and long situations.

Thankfully, the Orange are only 6-for-23 on 3rd down conversions this season. Continuing that 26 percent pattern could lend USC the extra boost they need on defense this week.

In addition, the Orange have six passing touchdowns this season compared to only two rushing TDs. They also have a low time of possession rating. Combining these facts paints a scenario of coach Doug Marrone's team moving down the field on a series of passes to score a TD, and getting off the field as quickly as possible.

However, things aren't all sunny news for Syracuse.

Keeping their defense on the field plays directly into a strength the USC offense has already shown early in the season: start fast.  QB Matt Barkley and company have shown they can drive the field and score. Yes, costly turnovers against Utah frustrated fans and players alike, leaving a few TDs not scored last week. The fact remains—USC is shutting out its opponents in the first quarter while the offense scores points.

The Trojan offense is out-gaining Syracuse by almost 75 yards a game, against (no disrespect) tougher opponents. For example, last week Syracuse needed both an 80-yard drive and an interception with their backs against the wall and only 1:29 left in the game to defeat URI (that's not famed psychic Uri Geller, that's University of Rhode Island). So, look for both teams to want to throw the ball, but for USC to be better at it.

The difference in the game? If USC's defense continues to improve and keeps Syracuse from gouging the 'SC defense for big yards through the air on critical third downs, and if the USC offense establishes a running game that can move the ball, eliminate turnovers and score early, then the Trojans should dominate.