University Southern California Trojans
2018 Game 3: USC at Texas
September 13, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans beat the Longhorns last season in a double overtime Coliseum classic.
No. 22 USC Trojans (1-1) at Texas Longhorns (1-1)
DKR Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, at 5 p.m. PT/7 p.m. CT on FOX
Longhorn to Watch: Sophomore QB Sam Ehlinger
A year ago, the Texas offense was being run by a true freshman quarterback much like the USC offense is now. Ehlinger struggled for three quarters in the Coliseum, but he found a rhythm late in the game and almost stole a victory for the Longhorns. Now a sophomore, Ehlinger has grown up physically which has led to a noticeable improvement in his game. He leads a big play offense that likes to go deep and will challenge the USC secondary's speed and athleticism.
Click here for more on the Longhorns.
3 Keys
The Anxiety Bowl
Neither fan base is feeling good about the way the first two weeks have gone, so if the Trojans can get off to a fast start, they can take out the crowd and test the belief of the Longhorns. At Stanford, USC gave up a touchdown on the first possession and struggled to play uphill all game with a young offense in bad field position. The USC offense is plenty talented, so if JT Daniels and company can get an early score or two, the confidence boost could spring them to life.
Turnover Time
The USC defense was solid against Stanford, holding a talented offense to only 17 points, so it's hard to find fault on that side of the ball. However, the Trojans can take it to the next level by forcing turnovers and helping the offense out with short fields. USC did not force a turnover or record a sack against the Cardinal. Texas lost its opener at Maryland because it was -3 in turnover margin. Rain is in the forecast, so the Trojans may have even more chances to make plays with a slippery ball.
Patience
The Longhorns will be ravenous early in the game in front of 100,000 screaming fans. They will look to ride the wave of momentum over the Trojans, many of whom have never played in an atmosphere like DKR. USC cannot afford to panic or press. Over the course of 60 minutes, the Trojans will emerge as the better team if they focus on execution and not emotion.
DKR Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, at 5 p.m. PT/7 p.m. CT on FOX
Longhorn to Watch: Sophomore QB Sam EhlingerA year ago, the Texas offense was being run by a true freshman quarterback much like the USC offense is now. Ehlinger struggled for three quarters in the Coliseum, but he found a rhythm late in the game and almost stole a victory for the Longhorns. Now a sophomore, Ehlinger has grown up physically which has led to a noticeable improvement in his game. He leads a big play offense that likes to go deep and will challenge the USC secondary's speed and athleticism.
Click here for more on the Longhorns.
3 Keys
The Anxiety Bowl
Neither fan base is feeling good about the way the first two weeks have gone, so if the Trojans can get off to a fast start, they can take out the crowd and test the belief of the Longhorns. At Stanford, USC gave up a touchdown on the first possession and struggled to play uphill all game with a young offense in bad field position. The USC offense is plenty talented, so if JT Daniels and company can get an early score or two, the confidence boost could spring them to life.
Turnover Time
The USC defense was solid against Stanford, holding a talented offense to only 17 points, so it's hard to find fault on that side of the ball. However, the Trojans can take it to the next level by forcing turnovers and helping the offense out with short fields. USC did not force a turnover or record a sack against the Cardinal. Texas lost its opener at Maryland because it was -3 in turnover margin. Rain is in the forecast, so the Trojans may have even more chances to make plays with a slippery ball.
Patience
The Longhorns will be ravenous early in the game in front of 100,000 screaming fans. They will look to ride the wave of momentum over the Trojans, many of whom have never played in an atmosphere like DKR. USC cannot afford to panic or press. Over the course of 60 minutes, the Trojans will emerge as the better team if they focus on execution and not emotion.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballThursday, October 01
Wednesday, September 30
Wednesday, September 30
Tuesday, September 29
