Predictions: Oregon

Oregon comes into the Coliseum as the number one team in the land. So it looks dim for USC right? Wrong. USC has won 8 of its last 10 homecoming games, and is coming off a bye week which the Trojans had much time to prepare and had some great practices. USC needs to contain LaMichael James. He is their heart and sole along with their QB. It is going to be a very high scoring game, and here is why or why not the Trojan will be on top.

Why- USC comes off a bye week so they had extra prep time to breakdown the Oregon offense to its fullest extent, and have extra time to learn the weakness' in the defense. USC is hot coming off a big win against CAL, winning 48-14. It is USC's homecoming game, so they crowd will be ready to rock.

Why Not- If USC comes out sluggish, it could be a long night. Everyone including the waterboy needs to be on top of his game. USC needs to come out and punch Oregon right in the jugular. If they fail doing this, Oregon will win.

Predictions-
USC-45
Oregon-41

• Barkley has 4TD passes and well over 300yards.
• Robert Woods has a big game again
• Allen Bradford rush TD
• Interception by the D
• Kick or Punt return for TD
• Ronald Johnson 2TD's

Crazy Saturday...

What a weekend it has been in College Football. Makes me happy USC had a bye-week to prepare for a strong looking Oregon! There were upsets galore on Saturday, by some less likely opponents. First we saw Syracuse who is off to their best start in years knock off West Virginia. Iowa State shock Texas at home and have Texas fans questioning whats going on. K-State going down to Baylor, Oklahoma being the 3rd Number one tanked team falling to Mizzou. I mean, it was everything you could wish for if you root for the underdogs. Some of the lower top 25 teams losing, gave USC the chance to reappear into the top 25. The AP poll has them listed at #24..It is going to be one hell of a match up between USC and Oregon, with College Gameday in town, and the USC faithful sporting a 'Red Out.' Only 6 more days until we see what the Trojans can do.

UCLA vs. Oregon

The Game Thursday night features #1 ranked Oregon, and UCLA. Now, I hate UCLA big time, so for those who also despise them, like I do...This will be a nice game to watch. UCLA has suspended a good amount of starters for this game, and it seems like UCLA is becoming the Florida of the west! Yeah, I said it..so what?! If Oregon comes out strong they will probably win this one in a rout, but you never know with the way things have been going...
However, I believe Oregon wins this one big...
Oregon-59
UCLA-10

But the Oregon vs. USC game? Well thats a different story..........

Cliffhanger........

Wow. What can you say about a performance like that except "amazing." Everything seemed to click tonight especially Barkley and Robert Woods. Robert Woods picked up right where he left off from last weeks heartbreaker against Stanford tallying 116yards on 7 catches with a paid of scores. Barkley, who looked outstanding with 5 touchdown passes through for over 350yards as well. It was really nice to see Joe Houston boot two field goals tonight, and get his confidence up. Remember fans: USC is 3 points away from 7-0. Oh..how one can dream! The title of this is cliffhanger because it seemed as if this is one of the best performance I have seen from USC in a while, and now with the bye week coming up and off to face what could be #1 Oregon (scary thought, I know!) You want to see just how real the Cal game was. Is this a turning point or just a lucky day for USC? We shall find out! Here are a recap of the predictions....
USC-42
Cal-24
Final score made me smile however!

• Barkley throw 3TD's (He had 5 total)
• Allen Bradford leads team in rushing (Tyler lead, Gable 2nd..Hate to see Gable go down like he did)
• Robert Woods breaks 100yards receiving (116yards, He is a STUD)
• Woods gets in at DB near the end (I dont recall him being in, any help would be appreciated!)
• Two interceptions today by Cal (One by Harris and one by McDonald.)

Cal Predictions

The Trojans come in on a 2 game skid looking to make something out of this game. If they control the running game, then it can be an easy day on not only the team, but the fans as well! Shane Vareen is a stud running back, but of course he is not as good as Mr.Best. Kevin Riley, well it is rare for him to break 100 yards passing it seems, so as long as the secondary is on their toes I wont be two worried (knock on wood). Here are some predictions as to what I believe will play out...

USC-42
Cal-24

• Barkley throw 3TD's
• Allen Bradford leads team in rushing
• Robert Woods breaks 100yards receiving
• Woods gets in at DB near the end
• Two interceptions today by Cal

Recruiting heating up..

It was a good feeling to get another commit for the class of 2011 this week. Charles Burks committed to USC after originally being offered only an EE spot. But the coaches changed that, and Burks committed on spot. Corey Waller another big name, and who many expect to be a Trojan got an offer Monday according to Greg Biggins. A few other offers went out this week all to 2011 prospects, and the list includes Mustafa Jalil-DL, DeVante Wilson-DL/LB, and Lake Koa Ka'ai-DL according to Mr. Biggins. Good to see the coaches really start to step it up where the depth is a huge need for upcoming years. I would love to land Waller, and steal Jalil away from Cal. Not to sure on how good Lake is, but to get a sacred offer from USC, he must show signs of life!

Looking Forward to Cal..

        The Cal Bears come off a huge win, after crushing the UCLA Bruins 35-7. Although most of that was was the running game of Cal which went well over 200 yards. QB Kevin Riley only had 83 yards passing but did toss a touchdown pass. The Trojans will need to focus on the run game, as it has been clear Kevin Riley is not exactly the MVP of the Cal team. If USC can contain the running game and keep an eye on Kevin Riley, then it should be an easy win for USC. Right? Well, it seems there are no easy wins for USC so look for the game to most likely be closer then some may expect. I'm not saying a three point difference, but maybe in the 10 point range or so. The Cal defense has been strong and they face a great USC offense, and look for Robert Woods and Barkley to continue where they left off. This is going to be a scary combo for the next two and a half years.
        I predict USC will end the 2 game skid against Cal, and the Home crowd will be jumping. USC needs to come out firing on all cylinders and score at will. This will be another test for the defense, and if something goes wrong something needs to be done about it. I wouldn't mind seeing Kennard back at DE, and Galippo back at the Mike position. Shane Horton has proved he is a worthy back-up and Marquis Simmons is getting healthier and healthier. Christian Tupou missing is also hurting a bit, so hopefully, and I'm praying to the lord on this one, Jurrell Casey returns for next year. A defensive line that could look like Nick Perry, Devon Kennard, Jurrell Casey, Christian Tupou, rotated around with Armond Armstead and Hebron Fangupo? Man..can not wait for 2011! Next years team will be much better, even though the depth will be down a bit. But with a more experienced secondary and an electric offense returning, it could be a big year. Now lets hope we win that appeal and can be bowl eligible!