How about those Trojans!
It’s a shame that only the Torch was able to witness the beautiful performance that was USC’s dominant win over Washington State last weekend. Amon-Ra St. Brown produced a highlight tape for the record books, catching four first quarter touchdown passes from Slovis. Tyler Vaughns kept the party going with a fifth score early in the second quarter while the defense pitched a shutout until just before half time. It was so refreshing to see the team click into gear, elevate the energy level, and have complete control of the game.
If there is one complaint, however it would be the second half offensive stall. We managed just a field goal in the final thirty minutes and displayed a complete lack of ability to establish a run game. Discounting some negative yardage, SC managed about 30 total yards on 16 carries. Fortunately, the defense held up their end of the deal and we came away with a clean win.
In the world of college football, you’re only as good as your next win though, and for us that means UCLA. UCLA hasn’t exactly been relevant in recent years, but this game will always be meaningful. Earlier this afternoon, Colorado suffered a loss to Utah allowing USC to clinch the Pac-12 South and a berth to the conference title game.
So what’s at stake this afternoon in the Rose Bowl? Pride, and a glimmer of hope for a New Year’s Six bowl game. Both teams will don their home uniforms, which to me is one of the most beautiful sights in college football. SC will take the field against a UCLA team on the rise who boasts a winning record and figures to be the toughest matchup of the season thus far. What are the keys to victory in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains?
- Control the emotion – We cannot afford unsportsmanlike fouls
- Beat them deep early – Allow Kedon and Co. to let loose on routes of 15+
- 3rd Down – We just need to get off the field on defensive 3rd downs, and convert the short yardage on offense to thereby control the clock.
I expect UCLA will do all they can to contain Amon-Ra and Drake London, so keep an eye on #4 Bru McCoy who could have a breakout game. It would be so rewarding to see him put on a big performance.
The tradition and stakes speak for themselves, and I know the Trojans will bring their best into Pasadena. I can’t wait.
FIGHT ON
photo credit: Alex Gallardo/AP
The Late Game 
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