University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 6: USC vs. Oregon St.
October 06, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
USC has beaten Oregon St. 23 consecutive times at the Coliseum.
Oregon State Beavers (1-4, 0-2) vs. No. 14 USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 1 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Network
Beaver to Watch: Senior QB Darell Garretson
While the Trojans have been saddled with a length injury list, Oregon State has been dealt massive blows at quarterback and running back. Garretson will step in behind center, and he has experience. On the season, he's played in three games (13/24 for 94 yards and a TD), and he worked in six games last year. Garretson is more mobile than injured QB Jake Luton, running 10 times for 45 yards and a TD this season.
Click here for more on the Beavers.
3 Keys
Settle In
The USC offense has had so many moving pieces lately as nearly every position group has been hit by the injury bug. The Trojans did not make any excuses after Washington State, but they can assimilate new players in more easily with a week to prepare. It all starts with the offensive line where true freshman Andrew Vorhees takes over at right guard for Viane Talamaivao (out for the season). Just like Tyler Vaughns emerged last week, OC Tee Martin will hope that some other players use this game as a springboard for the second half of the season. USC will need some surprise heroes to turn around an offense that has trended down in recent weeks.
Second Line
The defense is banged up as well, but the injuries are not quite as long term. DC Clancy Pendergast subbed liberally against Washington State, which is against his nature, but he needs to develop depth to protect against his frontline players wearing down. Oregon State has given the ball away 14 times, so all the Trojans will be in attack mode. Pendergast's opportunistic group has racked up 12 takeaways and 16 sacks over five games.
It's About Us
The Trojans will be fully prepared for Oregon State's scheme, but this week is about finding rhythm and confidence in all three phases. The road is rough the next two weeks with a visit from Utah and a trip to Notre Dame. Head coach Clay Helton has made it clear to his team that everything is still in front of them. The Trojans control their own destiny in the Pac-12 and likely the College Football Playoff race, but they need to find their form in a hurry to make those dreams come true.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 1 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Network
Beaver to Watch: Senior QB Darell GarretsonWhile the Trojans have been saddled with a length injury list, Oregon State has been dealt massive blows at quarterback and running back. Garretson will step in behind center, and he has experience. On the season, he's played in three games (13/24 for 94 yards and a TD), and he worked in six games last year. Garretson is more mobile than injured QB Jake Luton, running 10 times for 45 yards and a TD this season.
Click here for more on the Beavers.
3 Keys
Settle In
The USC offense has had so many moving pieces lately as nearly every position group has been hit by the injury bug. The Trojans did not make any excuses after Washington State, but they can assimilate new players in more easily with a week to prepare. It all starts with the offensive line where true freshman Andrew Vorhees takes over at right guard for Viane Talamaivao (out for the season). Just like Tyler Vaughns emerged last week, OC Tee Martin will hope that some other players use this game as a springboard for the second half of the season. USC will need some surprise heroes to turn around an offense that has trended down in recent weeks.
Second Line
The defense is banged up as well, but the injuries are not quite as long term. DC Clancy Pendergast subbed liberally against Washington State, which is against his nature, but he needs to develop depth to protect against his frontline players wearing down. Oregon State has given the ball away 14 times, so all the Trojans will be in attack mode. Pendergast's opportunistic group has racked up 12 takeaways and 16 sacks over five games.
It's About Us
The Trojans will be fully prepared for Oregon State's scheme, but this week is about finding rhythm and confidence in all three phases. The road is rough the next two weeks with a visit from Utah and a trip to Notre Dame. Head coach Clay Helton has made it clear to his team that everything is still in front of them. The Trojans control their own destiny in the Pac-12 and likely the College Football Playoff race, but they need to find their form in a hurry to make those dreams come true.
Players Mentioned
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