University Southern California Trojans
2018 Stanford Wednesday: Notes
September 05, 2018 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
The USC defense faces a multitude of challenges going against Stanford's versatile offense.
On a cool and windy evening, the Trojans continued preparations for their Pac-12 opener.
- Here is the injury report, per head coach Clay Helton: S Isaiah Pola-Mao (out with an illness) and DL Brandon Pili (limited by a wrist injury). Everything else is the same as yesterday.
- The coaches and veteran players know exactly what USC-Stanford is all about. Helton said the rivalry has given him some of his "favorite memories and favorite heartbreaks" over his nine years on the Trojans sideline.
- OLB Porter Gustin is looking forward to seeing how the young players react to the heated competition. "I think we'll be able to kind of find out the identity of this team," the captain said. "It's going to be more of a challenge, so we have to come out and see what the guys can do and what everyone can do physically and in the pass game. I think it's definitely going to be something that will open their eyes."
- Helton preaches the same keys to beating Stanford every season: 1st down efficiency on defense, clean football (few penalties and no turnovers), finish drives in the end zone, and manageable third down distances on offense. And of course, "Usually, the leader of the rushing game in this game wins the game," he said.
- Heisman Trophy candidate Bryce Love will make it difficult for USC to win the rushing battle. "We all know he's a great back," DT Marlon Tuipulotu said. "Everybody on the field just has to do their assignment, execute their assignment and not try to do too much."
- However, Stanford's passing attack stole the show in its season-opening win against San Diego State. WR JJ Arcega-Whiteside was the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week, making 6 catches for 226 yards and 3 TDs. "Him being able to go vertical and attack the ball at the highest point. That's what his greatest strength is," CB Iman Marshall said. "And we have great schemes to help eliminate that."
- Marshall would like to draw the primary assignment on the 6-foot-3 Arcega-Whiteside. All the corners have been working against Devon Williams (6-foot-4) and Randal Grimes (6-foot-4) this week to prepare.
- Orange County product K.J. Costello passed for 332 yards in the opener. "With his passing game, he's really opened up the Stanford offense to be more of a dual-threat offense," Marshall said.
- Helton praised Costello's deep ball because he rarely overthrows his target. He is good at identifying one-on-one matchups and then giving the receiver or tight end a chance to make the play.
Players Mentioned
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