University Southern California Trojans
2018 Game 10: USC vs. Cal
November 09, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans have won 14 straight games over the Bears.
California Golden Bears (5-4, 2-4) at USC Trojans (5-4, 4-3)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Bear to Watch: Senior LB Jordan Kunaszyk
Former USC DC Justin Wilcox and former Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter have transformed the Cal defense in two seasons, from 10th in the Pac-12 in 2016 to 3rd this year. Kunaszyk has been a central figure of the rebuild as he ranks in the top 8 in the conference in tackles (2nd), tackles-for-loss (6th), sacks (8th) and forced fumbles (3rd). Wilcox's scheme relies on heady linebackers to read and react to the game, which plays directly into Kunaszyk's strength. Earlier this season against UCLA, the senior made 22 tackles in one game.
Click here for more on the Bears.
3 Keys
Chunk Yardage
USC's offense has relied on the big play all season long, leading the conference with 18 plays of 40-yards or more. Conversely, Cal's defense keeps everything in front of them. The Bears have only allowed 94 plays of 10-yards or more, also best in the Pac-12. Without Michael Pittman Jr., who will miss the game due to a shoulder injury, where do the Trojans turn for explosiveness? They would prefer to run the ball like they did last week at Oregon State, when Aca'Cedric Ware averaged 12.1 yards per carry, but the Bears will be loaded up to stop them. Instead, look for freshman Amon-Ra St. Brown to step up. USC's catch leader has been quiet lately, but playing on the outside in place of Pittman, he will get more downfield targets from his buddy JT Daniels.
One Dimensional
While Cal will likely stack the box to stop USC's running game, the Trojans will undoubtedly key in on Bears RB Patrick Laird. He is the focal point of their offense, averaging 18.5 carries per game in Pac-12 play. USC's goal will be to force Cal to move the ball through the air, which has been a mighty challenge for the Bears, ranking dead last in the league in passing offense. The Cal QB situation continues to be unsettled as Wilcox flip flops between freshman Chase Garbers and sophomore Brandon McIlwain. Garbers is the better thrower, while McIlwain is a dangerous runner.
Earn Everything
In a game that projects to be a grinder, hidden yardage and field position will play a crucial role in determining the victor. USC and Cal sport the worst two turnover margins in the Pac-12. Both teams are near the bottom in punting. The Trojans also struggle with penalties (77.1 yards per game), although they have improved lately. The Bears have scored one offensive touchdown over the last two weeks, so USC must make Cal drive the length of the field. Offense may not come easy for the Trojans either, but if they don't mistakes, their superior athleticism will win out over 60 minutes.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Bear to Watch: Senior LB Jordan KunaszykFormer USC DC Justin Wilcox and former Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter have transformed the Cal defense in two seasons, from 10th in the Pac-12 in 2016 to 3rd this year. Kunaszyk has been a central figure of the rebuild as he ranks in the top 8 in the conference in tackles (2nd), tackles-for-loss (6th), sacks (8th) and forced fumbles (3rd). Wilcox's scheme relies on heady linebackers to read and react to the game, which plays directly into Kunaszyk's strength. Earlier this season against UCLA, the senior made 22 tackles in one game.
Click here for more on the Bears.
3 Keys
Chunk Yardage
USC's offense has relied on the big play all season long, leading the conference with 18 plays of 40-yards or more. Conversely, Cal's defense keeps everything in front of them. The Bears have only allowed 94 plays of 10-yards or more, also best in the Pac-12. Without Michael Pittman Jr., who will miss the game due to a shoulder injury, where do the Trojans turn for explosiveness? They would prefer to run the ball like they did last week at Oregon State, when Aca'Cedric Ware averaged 12.1 yards per carry, but the Bears will be loaded up to stop them. Instead, look for freshman Amon-Ra St. Brown to step up. USC's catch leader has been quiet lately, but playing on the outside in place of Pittman, he will get more downfield targets from his buddy JT Daniels.
One Dimensional
While Cal will likely stack the box to stop USC's running game, the Trojans will undoubtedly key in on Bears RB Patrick Laird. He is the focal point of their offense, averaging 18.5 carries per game in Pac-12 play. USC's goal will be to force Cal to move the ball through the air, which has been a mighty challenge for the Bears, ranking dead last in the league in passing offense. The Cal QB situation continues to be unsettled as Wilcox flip flops between freshman Chase Garbers and sophomore Brandon McIlwain. Garbers is the better thrower, while McIlwain is a dangerous runner.
Earn Everything
In a game that projects to be a grinder, hidden yardage and field position will play a crucial role in determining the victor. USC and Cal sport the worst two turnover margins in the Pac-12. Both teams are near the bottom in punting. The Trojans also struggle with penalties (77.1 yards per game), although they have improved lately. The Bears have scored one offensive touchdown over the last two weeks, so USC must make Cal drive the length of the field. Offense may not come easy for the Trojans either, but if they don't mistakes, their superior athleticism will win out over 60 minutes.
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