Stanford vs. USC: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Cardinal Must Make

We should be in for a great finish as the No. 6-ranked Stanford Cardinal take on the USC Trojans at the LA Coliseum. In a matchup featuring two high-caliber QBs, Andrew Luck and the Cardinal look to extend the nation's longest winning streak to 16 games. 

Can Stanford's Heisman front-runner and emerging rushing attack light up the Trojans in the second half?

Here are five adjustments the Cardinal must make if they want to get this huge road win. 

Constant Pressure on Barkley 

The Cardinal need to bring consistent pressure on QB Matt Barkley in the second half. Stanford's best defensive successes have come when Barkley was feeling the heat and forced in to rushed throws. If USC's QB is given too much time, he will continue to pick apart Stanford's D with easy looks to Robert Woods and Randall Telfer.  

O-Line Push

Stanford's O-Line has been doing a solid job of creating holes for the Cardinal RBs. For the remainder of the game, Stanford should continue to dominate the Trojans' D-Line and challenge the defensive front center. Look for RB Stepfan Taylor to continue to follow his blocks into the second layer of USC's defense and get nice gains.

Stop the Stupid Mistakes 

The Cardinal need to clean up their act for the remainder of the game. They have already had a number of crucial penalties in the first half, especially in the red zone. If the Cardinal want to win this game, they need to stop making unforced errors and stupid penalties. 

Open Up the Playbook 

Andrew Luck is obviously one of the best QBs in college football. In the second half, the Cardinal need to open up the playbook and let Luck do what he does best. Luck should try to take a couple shots down the field, and possibly unload on play-action to TE Coby Fleener over the middle. 

Contain Robert Woods

USC has been doing a great job of getting their best playmaker, WR Robert Woods, the ball in space. With the Trojans' No. 1 RB Marc Tyler out of the game, the Cardinal should come out in the second half prepared to contain Woods. Stanford must make sure they keep the Trojans stud in check if they want to stop USC's high-octane offense.