The Sixth Game

The Sixth Game was simply just that. It provided an opportunity for USC to return home to the warm confines of the Coliseum. After a bruising of a game in Pullman the week before, we had an extra day of rest to prepare for Oregon State. Some players like Darnold even used the long weekend to return home to nearby San Clemente and decompress. Back on campus and in front of the media, Clay Helton stood firmly in support of his staff members who have really come under the microscope in recent weeks.

During the game against the Beavers, Darnold continued to build rapport with Tyler Vaughns finding him for a 37-yard strike just three and half minutes into the contest. The Trojans continued to roll and headed to the locker room with a 21-3 lead, and built it to 25 points early in the second half when Josh Falo scored his first career TD. The game was capped off by a great run from backup quarterback Matt Fink who got loose and outran the Beaver secondary for a 51-yard scamper. Even more special was when Jake Olson got in for another extra point snap, what an incredible individual.

The game was not without doubts though. Oregon State, who is the easiest opponent we face this year, managed 319 total yards. Our defense was able to keep them from the end zone for the majority of the afternoon fortunately. We also turned the ball over three times and gave up 46 yards to the penalty marker. I hate to say it, but we just can’t pass the eye test it seems. With the pundits starting to “what if” every remaining game nationwide, and the term “body of work” coming back into the conversation, USC needs a blowout statement win to make their case for spot in the post-season.

A win like that won’t come easily with Utah coming to town this weekend, and a trip to South Bend looming after that. I think it’s fair to say the next two games on our schedule will carry a lot of weight in the outcome of our season, especially getting an 8pm EST televised kickoff so the country can watch us against another ranked team.

So, what are the keys to going 1-0 this week?

Survive in the trenches: Utah’s defensive front is notoriously big and strong. Our young men, who aren’t small by any means, will have their hands full.

Find the deep ball: Sam needs to spread the field early and establish a passing game of downfield throws. This will open up some area for Ronald Jones to chip away a few yards at a time, and allow for a potential breakaway run if we can get him in space.

Hold onto the ball: Similar to my comments prior to playing Stanford, Utah is well coached and turnovers against a team like that is equal to giving up points.

Everyone is writing off the Pac-12 South currently, but I think we’re in for a pretty good one in Los Angeles come Saturday.

FIGHT ON