Memorial Stadium in Berkeley at Noon PT on FOX
Bear to Watch: Freshman QB Jared GoffYes, he is prone to the interception (9 on the season), but he is also averaging 318 passing yards per game in his first year. He ranks third in the Pac-12 and 10th nationally in passing. He is a microcosm of the Bears' entire offense. They are young, talented, move the ball, but mistake prone. So, while they are sixth in the conference in total offense, they are 12th in scoring averaging just 23 points per contest. Watch out for Goff in the future though as Sonny Dykes will get this offense rolling.
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3 Keys
Stay Positive
Under Ed Orgeron, USC is +6 in the turnover margin. The Trojans have three interceptions in each of the last two games. On the contrary, Cal is dead last in the Pac-12 in turnover margin at -14 on the season. If USC plays a clean game and remains opportunistic on defense, the Trojans could be in for a much needed blowout ahead of next week's showdown with Stanford. However, sleepy leads to sloppy which results in upsets. USC must find energy early despite the Noon kickoff and a likely sedate stadium.
A Balanced Diet
In N' Out Burgers may not be the healthiest meal, but if they keep the offensive line happy, fill them up with double-doubles. The Trojans controlled the line of scrimmage at Oregon State giving Cody Kessler time to connect on the deep ball, and paving the way for Silas Redd and Buck Allen to each top the 100-yard mark. In Clay Helton's best two games since taking over as offensive coordinator (Arizona and OSU), the Trojans have averaged 245 rush yards and 272 pass yards. Offensive balance is the winning formula for this team (most teams).
Be Ruthless Not Reckless
In taking the pulse of the Trojan Family this week, belief is starting to percolate. The scintillating performance in Corvallis has positioned USC for a November to remember. While we are all counting the days to Homecoming Saturday vs. No. 5 Stanford at the Coliseum, the Trojans must take care of business first. Orgeron has been a master of the mental game since taking over as interim head coach. If he can get the boys up for the Bears, the good times should continue to roll.
USC has won the last nine meetings with Cal including Chauncey Washington's 220-yard day in the rain.
