1.) Burfict Storm
Lost in the loss last week, USC showed the kind of discipline that Lane Kiffin has preached since his first day. The Oregon Ducks were called for taunting, facemasks and a hit on the punter, but the Trojans never took the bait. ASU LB Vontaze Burfict will be in the center of the fray Saturday night trying to make an impression in front of his local fans against the school he almost attended. Given his history, USC should let the tempestuous middle backer work himself up into a frenzy and take himself out of his game.
2.) Options AB and C
The offense looked out of balance last week relying too heavily on Matt Barkley. With Allen Bradford and Dillon Baxter finally back to to full physical and academic health respectively, the running game should have more juice against the Sun Devils. Marc Tyler has been solid, but Bradford and Baxter are more explosive. If all three are in the gameplan, the offense will have sharper teeth.
3.) Disarm the Threet
ASU QB Steven Threet has donated 13 interceptions to opponents this season, but he's coming off a flawless performance against Wazzu. The much-maligned Trojans' secondary will have plenty of chances to impact this game. Confidence has not really been the problem, so the young pass defenders should stay aggressive and step in front. Turnover margin will be the winning stat Saturday.
4.) "Go the Distance"
An ode to Field of Dreams, USC's special teams has been close, but not quite, the last few weeks. On film, they see opportunities to finish kick returns in the end zone, but they need to execute John Baxter's gameplan. Against a good defensive team, points could be at a premium like they were in last year's 14-9 win. A special teams touchdown would go a long way...
5.) Always Compete
The two words still hang above the Coliseum tunnel. This week, they filled the air over the practice field. Lane Kiffin called out the offensive line in the media. He opened up starting spots at three different positions for all worthy challengers. While he has not decided on his starting left guard, middle backer or second safety, the point has been made. The best players will play. The hardest workers will be rewarded. On Saturday, the Trojans can answer back with a resounding win.
To avoid a letdown, the Trojans must come together. (Photo by Jon SooHoo)
Tweet
