University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 1: USC vs. Western Michigan
September 01, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans enter the 2017 season riding a 9-game winning streak.
No. 4 USC Trojans (0-0) vs. Western Michigan Broncos (0-0)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 2:15 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Network
Bronco to Watch: Senior RB Jarvion Franklin
While Western Michigan has to replace its record-setting quarterback (Zach Terrell) and receiver (Corey Davis), new Broncos head coach Tim Lester can at least rely on an experienced and threatening running game. WMU will employ a three-pronged rushing attack spearheaded by Franklin who has rushed for 3,639 yards and 41 touchdowns over his first three seasons. The Broncos were actually a better rushing offense (24th in the nation) than passing offense (49th in the nation) during their magical 2016 season.
Click here for more on the Broncos.
3 Keys
Depth Is Cool
It is going to be blisteringly hot inside the Coliseum on Saturday with temperatures expected to top out at 95. The USC defense is loaded with quality up and down the depth chart, so look for the Trojans to rotate more than DC Clancy Pendergast has typically done in the past. Players like Connor Murphy and Oluwole Betiku are ready to contribute behind entrenched starters Uchenna Nwosu and Porter Gustin. Rasheem Green and Josh Fatu can be more than capably spelled by Christian Rector, Kenny Bigelow and a host of impressive freshmen. Thanks to full and strong recruiting classes the last two years, the Trojans have a pool of reserves in which to dip on an uncomfortable afternoon at the Coliseum.
Chemistry Class
Outside of the kicking game, QB Sam Darnold's on-field relationship with the young wide receivers has been the biggest talking point of Fall Camp. The veteran wideouts got the nod at the top of the depth chart, so Darnold will get off to a comfortable start with Deontay Burnett, Jalen Greene, Steven Mitchell Jr. and his tight ends, but this offense needs an injection of playmaking from redshirt and true freshmen. Darnold has gained trust in his new wideouts over a long camp, but there is no substitute for live games. "I've grown a lot more comfortable in the past few weeks and I'm sure during the season I'm going to keep getting more and more comfortable," Darnold said about his chemistry with the wideouts. "It's just about time and spending more time and experiencing different things with them. Actually playing a game is going to be helpful for us in understanding who can play and who can't."
Build a Fence
Under head coach Clay Helton, USC is undefeated in the Coliseum. Last season, the Trojans were 8-0 in Los Angeles. For USC to continue its growth in the Helton era, the Coliseum must become a fortress. The Trojans start the season with three consecutive difficult home games, so if the energy and atmosphere can be difference makers, it could kickstart a special year.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 2:15 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Network
Bronco to Watch: Senior RB Jarvion FranklinWhile Western Michigan has to replace its record-setting quarterback (Zach Terrell) and receiver (Corey Davis), new Broncos head coach Tim Lester can at least rely on an experienced and threatening running game. WMU will employ a three-pronged rushing attack spearheaded by Franklin who has rushed for 3,639 yards and 41 touchdowns over his first three seasons. The Broncos were actually a better rushing offense (24th in the nation) than passing offense (49th in the nation) during their magical 2016 season.
Click here for more on the Broncos.
3 Keys
Depth Is Cool
It is going to be blisteringly hot inside the Coliseum on Saturday with temperatures expected to top out at 95. The USC defense is loaded with quality up and down the depth chart, so look for the Trojans to rotate more than DC Clancy Pendergast has typically done in the past. Players like Connor Murphy and Oluwole Betiku are ready to contribute behind entrenched starters Uchenna Nwosu and Porter Gustin. Rasheem Green and Josh Fatu can be more than capably spelled by Christian Rector, Kenny Bigelow and a host of impressive freshmen. Thanks to full and strong recruiting classes the last two years, the Trojans have a pool of reserves in which to dip on an uncomfortable afternoon at the Coliseum.
Chemistry Class
Outside of the kicking game, QB Sam Darnold's on-field relationship with the young wide receivers has been the biggest talking point of Fall Camp. The veteran wideouts got the nod at the top of the depth chart, so Darnold will get off to a comfortable start with Deontay Burnett, Jalen Greene, Steven Mitchell Jr. and his tight ends, but this offense needs an injection of playmaking from redshirt and true freshmen. Darnold has gained trust in his new wideouts over a long camp, but there is no substitute for live games. "I've grown a lot more comfortable in the past few weeks and I'm sure during the season I'm going to keep getting more and more comfortable," Darnold said about his chemistry with the wideouts. "It's just about time and spending more time and experiencing different things with them. Actually playing a game is going to be helpful for us in understanding who can play and who can't."
Build a Fence
Under head coach Clay Helton, USC is undefeated in the Coliseum. Last season, the Trojans were 8-0 in Los Angeles. For USC to continue its growth in the Helton era, the Coliseum must become a fortress. The Trojans start the season with three consecutive difficult home games, so if the energy and atmosphere can be difference makers, it could kickstart a special year.
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