5 keys to turning it around...
1.) "Our Sacred Ground"
Matt Barkley poetically described the Coliseum turf, now he and his teammates have to defend it. Through six games, the Trojans are just 1-1 at home as they launch a three-game homestand, which will determine the direction of the season. Once upon a time, USC was unbeatable at home, but they have lost three of their last five games under the torch. The fans who traveled to Stanford were nothing short of spectacular. If the Trojan Family brings that kind of support, it could be the difference in a close win or another heartbreaking loss.
2.) Blood in the Water
When Pete Carroll was at his height, Jeff Tedford was seen as his nemesis. Quietly though, the Trojans have dominated the Bears recently, winning the last six meetings. Why? The real USC nemesis is mobile quarterbacks. Year after year, Tedford has sent pocket passers up against a salivating Trojans' defensive line. If USC can get ahead early and force Cal to throw, Coach O's front four will close it out.
3.) Projo RoJo
Allen Bradford was the star against Washington. Robert Woods was the focal point against Stanford. If the Bears defend with a short memory, they will regret not concentrating on Ronald Johnson. The senior is tied for the conference lead in TD catches plus he is due to break another punt return if the defense can force Cal off the field.
4.) Houston, We Are Problem Free
Joe Houston made a big extra point at the Farm, but he was never tested from distance. He kicked much more freely this week after freeing himself from the weight of last week's competition. Cal's defense is expected to be much tougher in the red zone than Stanford, so Houston will be pressed into action. In order to close those inches to greatness, the Trojans need to make their kicks count.
5.) Finish!
They could not hit for a closing six against Washington. They could not get a final stop against Stanford. They could not block a game-winning kick in either game. They could not get to 6-0. They can get to 5-2 by taking their chances against the Bears. If they finish Cal off, they could be getting the #1 team in the nation in two weeks. That could be fun...
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1.) "Our Sacred Ground"
Matt Barkley poetically described the Coliseum turf, now he and his teammates have to defend it. Through six games, the Trojans are just 1-1 at home as they launch a three-game homestand, which will determine the direction of the season. Once upon a time, USC was unbeatable at home, but they have lost three of their last five games under the torch. The fans who traveled to Stanford were nothing short of spectacular. If the Trojan Family brings that kind of support, it could be the difference in a close win or another heartbreaking loss.
2.) Blood in the Water
When Pete Carroll was at his height, Jeff Tedford was seen as his nemesis. Quietly though, the Trojans have dominated the Bears recently, winning the last six meetings. Why? The real USC nemesis is mobile quarterbacks. Year after year, Tedford has sent pocket passers up against a salivating Trojans' defensive line. If USC can get ahead early and force Cal to throw, Coach O's front four will close it out.
3.) Projo RoJo
Allen Bradford was the star against Washington. Robert Woods was the focal point against Stanford. If the Bears defend with a short memory, they will regret not concentrating on Ronald Johnson. The senior is tied for the conference lead in TD catches plus he is due to break another punt return if the defense can force Cal off the field.
4.) Houston, We Are Problem Free
Joe Houston made a big extra point at the Farm, but he was never tested from distance. He kicked much more freely this week after freeing himself from the weight of last week's competition. Cal's defense is expected to be much tougher in the red zone than Stanford, so Houston will be pressed into action. In order to close those inches to greatness, the Trojans need to make their kicks count.
5.) Finish!
They could not hit for a closing six against Washington. They could not get a final stop against Stanford. They could not block a game-winning kick in either game. They could not get to 6-0. They can get to 5-2 by taking their chances against the Bears. If they finish Cal off, they could be getting the #1 team in the nation in two weeks. That could be fun...
RoJo is ready to explode.
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Question: Does RIPS IT no longer provide descriptions of the daily practices as to how individual players do and the plays they make, due to the sanctions? Or is it because the coaches do not want the new plays they are inserting in the offense made public, possibly to the opposing teams?
I miss hearing how certain players are doing in the practices, and how the freshman who are not playing this year are developing. How is Randall Telfor doing-is he practicing at tight end? What about Kyle Prater and George Uko?
Thanks,
PH