University Southern California Trojans
2017 Game 5: USC vs. Washington St.
September 28, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
USC and WSU meet as ranked teams for the first time since 2003.
No. 5 USC Trojans (4-0, 2-0) at No. 16 Washington State Cougars (4-0, 1-0)
Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA on Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Cougar to Watch: Senior QB Luke Falk
Falk is the perfect person to run Mike Leach's pass-happy offensive system. He leads the nation in completion percentage at 76.9%, throwing the ball 42.3 times per game on average. If you get an interception off Falk, save the football. He's only been picked off once this season compared to 14 touchdown passes. The 6-foot-4 QB is not looking to run, but he will use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket. He was knocked out of the overtime win over Boise State due to a head injury, but came back to start the following week.
Click here for more on the Cougars.
3 Keys
Tackling Clinic
Washington State throws the ball more than twice as often as it runs it, so Falk spreads the field horizontally with safe underneath passes which partially explains his impressive accuracy. The Cougars incorporate everyone into the passing game, including RB James Williams who leads the Pac-12 with 37 receptions. The Trojans will likely employ five or six defensive backs to match up with all the different pass catching options, so the pressure will be on the defense to not only cover but also tackle in space.
Controlled Explosions
The USC offense was held to a season-low 4.7 yards per play against Cal, so the Trojans know they must create more explosive plays. The return of Ronald Jones II, who has 11 rushes of 10+ yards in three games, will certainly help. Statistically, Washington State has the No. 1 defense in the Pac-12, but the Cougars have played one of the nation's easiest schedules. Knowing that every Mike Leach team is going to put up points, the Trojans must control the ball by being efficient on third down, but also loosen up the defense by making some plays vertically.
Show Up to Showdown
This is not a trap game. When the schedule came out, it was labeled as such, but now that it is here, the Trojans are facing their toughest opponent of the season to date. USC will need to be at its best to survive a Friday night trip to a sold out Martin Stadium. To that end, QB Sam Darnold must play a clean game and find his feet earlier in the contest. When he is sharp, the Trojans have been unbeatable.
Martin Stadium in Pullman, WA on Friday at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Cougar to Watch: Senior QB Luke FalkFalk is the perfect person to run Mike Leach's pass-happy offensive system. He leads the nation in completion percentage at 76.9%, throwing the ball 42.3 times per game on average. If you get an interception off Falk, save the football. He's only been picked off once this season compared to 14 touchdown passes. The 6-foot-4 QB is not looking to run, but he will use his feet to buy extra time in the pocket. He was knocked out of the overtime win over Boise State due to a head injury, but came back to start the following week.
Click here for more on the Cougars.
3 Keys
Tackling Clinic
Washington State throws the ball more than twice as often as it runs it, so Falk spreads the field horizontally with safe underneath passes which partially explains his impressive accuracy. The Cougars incorporate everyone into the passing game, including RB James Williams who leads the Pac-12 with 37 receptions. The Trojans will likely employ five or six defensive backs to match up with all the different pass catching options, so the pressure will be on the defense to not only cover but also tackle in space.
Controlled Explosions
The USC offense was held to a season-low 4.7 yards per play against Cal, so the Trojans know they must create more explosive plays. The return of Ronald Jones II, who has 11 rushes of 10+ yards in three games, will certainly help. Statistically, Washington State has the No. 1 defense in the Pac-12, but the Cougars have played one of the nation's easiest schedules. Knowing that every Mike Leach team is going to put up points, the Trojans must control the ball by being efficient on third down, but also loosen up the defense by making some plays vertically.
Show Up to Showdown
This is not a trap game. When the schedule came out, it was labeled as such, but now that it is here, the Trojans are facing their toughest opponent of the season to date. USC will need to be at its best to survive a Friday night trip to a sold out Martin Stadium. To that end, QB Sam Darnold must play a clean game and find his feet earlier in the contest. When he is sharp, the Trojans have been unbeatable.
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