University Southern California Trojans
2018 Game 4: Washington State at USC
September 20, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The Trojans are in need of a bounce back victory after back-to-back road losses.
Washington State Cougars (3-0, 0-0) at USC Trojans (1-2, 0-1)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Cougar to Watch: Senior QB Gardner Minshew II
Washington State was faced with the tough task of replacing Luke Falk, the all-time leading passer in Pac-12 history, but Minshew has made the transition seamless. The graduate transfer from East Carolina leads the nation in passing yards through three games. So far, he has protected the ball well (3 INTs) and gets rid of it quickly (2 sacks allowed). Minshew will look to pick the Trojans apart underneath as he averages only 7.3 yards per attempt (66th in the nation).
Click here for more on the Cougars.
3 Keys
Pick City
The USC secondary has held up well this season, allowing only 171.3 passing yards per game, but the Trojans have not recorded an interception. In fact, the USC defense has forced only two turnovers all season. The pass rush does not have much time to work against Washington State's offense, which emphasizes quick passes, but the front can deflect balls into the air like Uchenna Nwosu did last season. Minshew is averaging 53 pass attempts per game, so the defensive backs will have plenty of chances to make plays.
Ease the Pressure
After a subpar outing at Stanford, true freshman QB JT Daniels responded with an outstanding performance at Texas, throwing for 322 yards. However, he was forced to throw 48 times because the Trojans could not run the ball effectively (-5 yards for the game). While defenses are clearly scheming to put the ball in the freshman's hands, USC's veteran line and talented stable of backs still need to be able to establish the ground game and provide some balance for the offense. The Cougs have been stout against the run so far this season (2nd in the Pac-12) and unleashed a powerful pass rush (10 sacks), but they have not played the stiffest competition.
Home Turf
USC has won 17 straight in the Coliseum, the nation's second-longest active home winning streak. After life on the road proved too much for the Trojans, home cooking may be just what the doctor ordered. USC has played well with its back against the wall under head coach Clay Helton who preaches positivity and togetherness in these situations. If the Trojans come together as one and get a little help from their friends in the stands, they will start the process of digging out of this early season hole.
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. PT on ESPN
Cougar to Watch: Senior QB Gardner Minshew IIWashington State was faced with the tough task of replacing Luke Falk, the all-time leading passer in Pac-12 history, but Minshew has made the transition seamless. The graduate transfer from East Carolina leads the nation in passing yards through three games. So far, he has protected the ball well (3 INTs) and gets rid of it quickly (2 sacks allowed). Minshew will look to pick the Trojans apart underneath as he averages only 7.3 yards per attempt (66th in the nation).
Click here for more on the Cougars.
3 Keys
Pick City
The USC secondary has held up well this season, allowing only 171.3 passing yards per game, but the Trojans have not recorded an interception. In fact, the USC defense has forced only two turnovers all season. The pass rush does not have much time to work against Washington State's offense, which emphasizes quick passes, but the front can deflect balls into the air like Uchenna Nwosu did last season. Minshew is averaging 53 pass attempts per game, so the defensive backs will have plenty of chances to make plays.
Ease the Pressure
After a subpar outing at Stanford, true freshman QB JT Daniels responded with an outstanding performance at Texas, throwing for 322 yards. However, he was forced to throw 48 times because the Trojans could not run the ball effectively (-5 yards for the game). While defenses are clearly scheming to put the ball in the freshman's hands, USC's veteran line and talented stable of backs still need to be able to establish the ground game and provide some balance for the offense. The Cougs have been stout against the run so far this season (2nd in the Pac-12) and unleashed a powerful pass rush (10 sacks), but they have not played the stiffest competition.
Home Turf
USC has won 17 straight in the Coliseum, the nation's second-longest active home winning streak. After life on the road proved too much for the Trojans, home cooking may be just what the doctor ordered. USC has played well with its back against the wall under head coach Clay Helton who preaches positivity and togetherness in these situations. If the Trojans come together as one and get a little help from their friends in the stands, they will start the process of digging out of this early season hole.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ FootballTuesday, June 23
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
