5 ways to win the grand finale...
Pride
We can talk strategy in the next four keys, but this is a rivalry game with nothing at stake other than winning for yourself, your teammates and your university. Without a bowl game, this is it for USC's seniors. Yesterday, Lane Kiffin talked about "the competitive edge" of a senior in his final games. Tomorrow, they'll have their chance to close it in style.
#116
Over 11 games, the Bruins have proven that they cannot pass. Only four teams are worse through the air and they all run the option. UCLA's Pistol has fired blanks this season, but the Trojans' pass defense is ranked #112 in the nation, so it's weakness versus weakness. If Monte Kiffin's defense can make Norm Chow's offense one-dimensional, USC will enforce its will in the Rose Bowl.
Willis Reed
For those of you short on NBA history, Reed limped out to start Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals inspiring the New York Knicks to win it all. On that night, Reed made just one basket. The Trojans will need Matt Barkley to complete more than one pass Saturday, but his presence alone is shocking to anyone who thought they saw his season end in a heap in Corvallis. Barkley's guts should serve to motivate his teammates.
Redemption Song
Ronald Johnson probably doesn't feel lucky this week, but his gift is that he has one more chance. While Kiffin talked about how scarring the Notre Dame drop can be to a player, RoJo can help the healing process with a big game against the Bruins. Motivation won't be an issue for him this weekend, but he needs to be careful that he is not too hyped.
Finish
Lane Kiffin has bemoaned the team's inability to play the final two minutes of a 60 minute game. Against a 4-7 Bruins team, they should have it sewn up in the first 58. Either way, when the bell rings to signal the end of Round 13, the Trojans need to be the last ones standing.
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Pride
We can talk strategy in the next four keys, but this is a rivalry game with nothing at stake other than winning for yourself, your teammates and your university. Without a bowl game, this is it for USC's seniors. Yesterday, Lane Kiffin talked about "the competitive edge" of a senior in his final games. Tomorrow, they'll have their chance to close it in style.
#116
Over 11 games, the Bruins have proven that they cannot pass. Only four teams are worse through the air and they all run the option. UCLA's Pistol has fired blanks this season, but the Trojans' pass defense is ranked #112 in the nation, so it's weakness versus weakness. If Monte Kiffin's defense can make Norm Chow's offense one-dimensional, USC will enforce its will in the Rose Bowl.
Willis Reed
For those of you short on NBA history, Reed limped out to start Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals inspiring the New York Knicks to win it all. On that night, Reed made just one basket. The Trojans will need Matt Barkley to complete more than one pass Saturday, but his presence alone is shocking to anyone who thought they saw his season end in a heap in Corvallis. Barkley's guts should serve to motivate his teammates.
Redemption Song
Ronald Johnson probably doesn't feel lucky this week, but his gift is that he has one more chance. While Kiffin talked about how scarring the Notre Dame drop can be to a player, RoJo can help the healing process with a big game against the Bruins. Motivation won't be an issue for him this weekend, but he needs to be careful that he is not too hyped.
Finish
Lane Kiffin has bemoaned the team's inability to play the final two minutes of a 60 minute game. Against a 4-7 Bruins team, they should have it sewn up in the first 58. Either way, when the bell rings to signal the end of Round 13, the Trojans need to be the last ones standing.
(Photo by Pierson Clair)
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