Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
After the record-breaking win at home against Colorado, the Trojans will travel to Tucson for their last game outside of Los Angeles this season. Arizona poses a real threat, especially with an early kick-off, and the looming showdown against Oregon.
"We are going to a place obviously where we are going to have a heat factor with the Noon kick-off," Lane Kiffin said. "They have a great offense so we are going back to work and have a great week of preparation."
The Wildcats currently rank fifth overall in the FBS in passing yards. Two weeks ago, Arizona forced the then 18th-ranked Stanford into overtime. Playing a powerful offensive team on the road, USC needs to remain focused.
"We approach it the same way we approach every week," senior safety T.J. McDonald said. "We just have to execute on opportunities when they come. As long as we do that, making sure we tackle, making sure that we are in tight coverage when they throw the ball and forcing turnovers, it will make them one dimensional and we will work for that this week."
The Trojan defense held Colorado to just two field goals and forced six turnovers. USC will aim to repeat that performance this week against the Wildcats. "[Our strategy] is going to be basically stopping the run, as usual. We need to force them to pass and try to get turnovers," said junior cornerback Nickell Robey.
After the record-breaking win at home against Colorado, the Trojans will travel to Tucson for their last game outside of Los Angeles this season. Arizona poses a real threat, especially with an early kick-off, and the looming showdown against Oregon.
"We are going to a place obviously where we are going to have a heat factor with the Noon kick-off," Lane Kiffin said. "They have a great offense so we are going back to work and have a great week of preparation."The Wildcats currently rank fifth overall in the FBS in passing yards. Two weeks ago, Arizona forced the then 18th-ranked Stanford into overtime. Playing a powerful offensive team on the road, USC needs to remain focused.
"We approach it the same way we approach every week," senior safety T.J. McDonald said. "We just have to execute on opportunities when they come. As long as we do that, making sure we tackle, making sure that we are in tight coverage when they throw the ball and forcing turnovers, it will make them one dimensional and we will work for that this week."
The Trojan defense held Colorado to just two field goals and forced six turnovers. USC will aim to repeat that performance this week against the Wildcats. "[Our strategy] is going to be basically stopping the run, as usual. We need to force them to pass and try to get turnovers," said junior cornerback Nickell Robey.
Overall, controlling penalties will be a major plan of action for the Trojans this week in preparation for Arizona. "Over the last couple of weeks, we have had a lot of personal fouls and we will fix that on Monday," said junior wide receiver Robert Woods. "Other than that, we have to play better all-around. There are a lot of games left and we still have to keep producing."
Arizona is coming off of a 52-17 victory over Washington, so the Trojans need to avoid the trap of underestimating the Wildcats in anticipation of the Ducks coming to town the following week.
Arizona is coming off of a 52-17 victory over Washington, so the Trojans need to avoid the trap of underestimating the Wildcats in anticipation of the Ducks coming to town the following week.
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