Stanford vs. USC: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Trojans 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, Matt Barkley and the Trojans look to light up the Cardinal and escape with a big Pac-12 win. 

Can USC's high-powered offense unload on Stanford in the second half?

Here are five adjustments the Trojans should make if they want to complete the upset. 

Wrap Up/Make the First Tackle

The Trojans' poor tackling has badly hurt them in the first half. Stanford RB Tyler Gaffney has already punished USC's front seven with a crazy TD run. If the Trojans want to upset the Cardinal, they need to start wrapping up and finishing their tackles. Not every one can be Ronnie Lott.

Keep Pounding the Run

The Trojans must keep pounding the run in the second half to keep Stanford's 3-4 defense on their heels. Even with an injured Marc Tyler, if USC can establish the run early, it will open up more room on the outside for Barkley to hit Woods and Ellison. 

Constant Pressure on Luck

In the second half, the Trojans need to continue to bring the heat on Stanford's machine-like QB. USC must try to get Luck on the run and rushed in the pocket. If the Trojans can force the Cardinal offense into obvious passing third downs, they can bring the heat on Luck and rush him into bad throws. 

Woods in Space

The Trojans need to get WR Robert Woods the ball in space, especially on third down. USC must get their biggest playmaker a chance to break down the Cardinal D in the second half. Look for Woods to get more touches as the game winds down by running flats and out routes. 

Take Advantage 

The Trojans need to make the most out of Stanford's mistakes in the second half. The Cardinal have had a number of crucial penalties, which set up USC with solid field position. 

In the final half, the Trojans need to take advantage of Stanford errors and keep attacking when they have single coverage on the outside.