Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at Noon PT on Pac-12 Networks
Eagle to Watch: Senior RB Andre WilliamsAfter two games, Williams is No. 4 in the nation in rushing. The 6-foot, 227-pound power back topped 100 yards in his first outing, and then followed up by running for 204 yards on 35 carries and a TD against Wake Forest last week. Coming off a career day, the Pennsylvania product will be a stern test for the Trojans' rush defense, which is tops in the country.
Click here for more on the Eagles.
3 Keys
Going Vertical
Even if the Trojans are unable to hit deep balls, they need to force the defense to honor the vertical threat. Like every USC opponent, the Eagles will want to keep Marqise Lee in front of them. Washington State dropped eight into coverage, but the Cougars still attacked the line of scrimmage on horizontal routes trusting the deep safeties to cover the rare foray down field. If Tre Madden can establish the run again, the play-action bomb should bring an element of explosiveness back to the passing game.
Smash AND Dash
Madden provided the smash last week with his 32 carry workhorse performance, but the running game was still methodical. Lane Kiffin predicted a return to action for Justin Davis this week, and the freshman brings an element of speed and shake to capitalize on Madden's ability to soften opposing defenses. Plus, keep an eye on Buck Allen who has the habit of running over unwilling tacklers.
Redemption Saturday
The head coach and the Coliseum crowd are on the same page. The performance last week was unacceptable and at times unwatchable. However, the Trojan Family can do more to inspire success by bringing positive energy into the building this week. The boos, especially when USC was winning last week, served only to hearten the Cougars and dispirit the Trojans. The fans have made their views on the head coach clear, but the players, especially the seniors, deserve more from the Coliseum faithful with 11 games still to play.
USC is 3-0 all-time vs. BC including the latest win in the 2009 Emerald Bowl.
