With the return of Matt Barkley to lead an offense loaded with elite
skill position players, expectations were high that the Trojans would
light up scoreboards this season. However, the offense has found life on
the road difficult in 2012, but five of the next six games will take
place in Los Angeles.
USC has won its two Coliseum contests by a combined score of 76-19, but
the first half schedule has been unusually front-loaded with road games.
The Trojans and Oregon State Beavers are the only two teams from BCS
conferences to play two or less home games.
By comparison, Oregon will play its first true road game tonight at Arizona State after leaving Eugene just once so far this season for a game against Washington State in Seattle.
The Trojans are hoping a sold out crowd this weekend, and likely the rest of the home slate, will inspire the big plays to flow freely.
"It's always good to play at home in front of your crowd," said senior captain T.J. McDonald. "We know that it will be electric out there and the energy will pick us up. If it is a later game, it is always good to have the motivation from our fans because they are the 12th man on the field."
USC took off at a similar point last season. The 2011 Trojans won just two of their first six games by double digits, while the current group has beaten its opponents by 10+ in all five of its victories.
Matt Barkley actually had the same number of touchdown passes (16) through six games last year as he does so far in 2012. He finished 2011 with a Pac-12 record 39 scoring throws.
While USC's performances to date may not be as impressive as the fans hoped or pundits expected, the Trojans are primed to finish with a flourish. In the next seven weeks, the Coliseum could potentially host three top 10 opponents including a Pac-12 Championship game.
The stage is set. Now, the Trojans must hit their stride.
USC has won its two Coliseum contests by a combined score of 76-19, but
the first half schedule has been unusually front-loaded with road games.
The Trojans and Oregon State Beavers are the only two teams from BCS
conferences to play two or less home games.By comparison, Oregon will play its first true road game tonight at Arizona State after leaving Eugene just once so far this season for a game against Washington State in Seattle.
The Trojans are hoping a sold out crowd this weekend, and likely the rest of the home slate, will inspire the big plays to flow freely.
"It's always good to play at home in front of your crowd," said senior captain T.J. McDonald. "We know that it will be electric out there and the energy will pick us up. If it is a later game, it is always good to have the motivation from our fans because they are the 12th man on the field."
USC took off at a similar point last season. The 2011 Trojans won just two of their first six games by double digits, while the current group has beaten its opponents by 10+ in all five of its victories.
Matt Barkley actually had the same number of touchdown passes (16) through six games last year as he does so far in 2012. He finished 2011 with a Pac-12 record 39 scoring throws.
While USC's performances to date may not be as impressive as the fans hoped or pundits expected, the Trojans are primed to finish with a flourish. In the next seven weeks, the Coliseum could potentially host three top 10 opponents including a Pac-12 Championship game.
The stage is set. Now, the Trojans must hit their stride.
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