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!
   

Stanford thoughts...

    I came away impressed with how the Trojans played. The offense is spectacular, and Robert Woods in an absolute stud. I just wish on days we have the pass game working big, that we can also get our run game in there just as much. Our two leading rushers were tied with 33yards a piece, and everyone thought the run game would be the key. The defense is still just not there. Stanford should not have won that game, but I do feel confident that USC can win the rest of the games, aside from maybe Oregon. Oregon is going to be tough obviously but if we play them like we played Stanford, and our defense improves, we have a shot. Look what Washington State did..43-23, that's vulnerability.
    Anyways, 4-2 still is not bad. Think of this season as a "practice season" for Lane Kiffin and Co. since we have no bowl game. I still feel very strong about the appeal and that may be our biggest win by the end of this year. It's all in the NCAAs hands and will be yet again another interesting off season for all Trojan fans. My final record prediction? I feel either 10-3 or 9-4..we are 3 points away from 6-0, I believe the only games we have to worry about are the Oregon, Arizona, and maybe the Oregon State game. Only 6 more days until Cal! Beat the Bears!

Fight On!

Beat the Cardinal!

Lets hope for a huge running game today, improved defense..(much improved) and of course a win!

Go Trojans!

Well....

My computer crashed, so im writing from my ps3. Anyway, quick Stanford prediction...
If USC plays with heart, they can win this game...
USC-35
STAN-27
If not, then lookout...
USC-24
STAN-41

Lane Kiffin...

    It really gets me mad when you go on a forum or any media outlet, and you see people calling for Coach Lane Kiffins head already. People stating how we need to get rid of him and how he will only hurt the program, and that he was not Pat Hadens choice. This is just crazy. Pete Carroll went 6-6 in his first year as the Trojans head coach, and lets remember he was not facing lack of depth, or sanctions for that matter. For Lane Kiffin to have a 4-1 record is just fine with me, as it is going to take some time for him, and his staff to adjust to these situations. Most of you are probably thinking "adjust? They were here before!" But the fact is, its like they were not here. Sure they know the area, the best spots to grab a beer, the best beach spots, but they are facing new challenges that many coaches do not face in their whole coaching career.
    How easy can it be having 70 scholarship players, and knowing those numbers are only going down with the reduced scholarships coming into affect, unless the appeal kicks in. Still, we will not be able to use as many offers as we once thought. Lane is working with the same team that Pete Carroll had last year in a 9-4 season, minus some key players such as Damian Williams, Taylor Mays, and Everson Griffen. They have all been filled with younger talent such as Freshman Robert Woods, Sophomore TJ McDonald, and Sophomore Nick Perry. Does the defense make you want to rip your hair out? Yes. But it is a very young squad which will grow in talent in the next few years. Not to mention that Kiffin had racked up the number one recruiting class in 2010, and pending early enrollees,and regular enrollees, could be heading for that number one ranking again.
    Every single Trojan fan should be happy that Lane Kiffin was offered and accepted the coaching position, as not many would have with everything lingering at that time. Kiffin brought in a monster staff, not to compete only for Pac-10 championships, but to win as many championships as he can. Remember this is his "Dream job" so unless he was lying, expect him to be around a very long time, and do great things here. I see a very bright future for Trojan football, and many new BCS Championships and Heisman winners to come!

Recruiting Updates...

The Trojans have picked up 2012 Athlete Jaydon Mickens from Dorsey High School according to Scott Schrader and 247sports.com.

Brent Calloway (RB/OLB: Russellville, AL Class of 2011)-
     Brent Calloway has been making plenty of noise on both sides of the ball this year, having broke the school record in touchdowns, and surpassing the 1000 yard mark already. However, Brent is committed to Alabama, but for how long? "I'm solid as of now but USC is in my top 3, I haven't been on any visits but we'll see what happens." USC can really use those two way players now with the sanctions and lack of depth hitting hard in the upcoming years, and Brent would be a perfect fit. Linebacker is a huge need of position, and Brent can fill that mold very well. Keep a close eye on how his recruitment turns out in the near future...

Butch Pauu (Linebacker: Servite High School, CA. Class of 2012)-
     One of the top Juniors in California, Butch Pauu is starting to make a lot of noise. He is stepping up as a leader for the undefeated Servite team, and will likely be a top player for the 2012 class. Butch currently does not hold any offers, but everyone who has watched his highlights knows that will not last long. Butch also has strong family ties to USC. "I love USC. My uncle Fili Moala graduated from USC and my cousin Hebron Fangupo is attending there right now." Pauu says it would be "an honor" to be offered by the Trojans, and if he continues to dominate on the field, that offer may be coming very soon.

Jeremiah Allison (Linebacker: Dorsey High School, CA. Class of 2012)-
     Jeremiah Allison has been a name on college coaches short list for some time now. Allison already has 10 sacks on the season, including seven against Hamilton High School in Los Angeles. Allison, along with Pauu are two of the top linebackers for the class of 2012 and no doubt would be huge pick ups for USC. Allison is teammates with recent USC commit Jaydon Mickens, who have both helped lead the Dorsey team to an undefeated season thus far. So where does USC stand with Allison? "Well USC is a choice since its really close to home (right down the street) and I know alot of people who go there, and their education is pretty prestigious as well." Allison currently holds no offers for now, expect that to change in the very near future however.

The Ugly...

    What can you say about a game like that? A lot of things could have been done to win that game near the end, like going for it on 4th down having Bradford punch the ball up the middle, having Houston actually make the kick. But these things happen, and the team needs to focus and look at themselves and ask, "Is this were we want to be?" USC should have won this game big. Instead a repeat of last year happened, with Folk kicking a game winner. I sure hope all of the defensive recruits there realized that they can help out BIG time. It is going to be a very long season with continued play like this. I will say the offense looks great, but the defense...Come on Monte. We have Stanford, Cal, and Oregon in a 4 week span. Thats gonna get ugly. Very ugly. However, we will be back on top. Maybe no this year or next year, but I am confident in USC winning the appeal, and returning to Glory with a Senior Matt Barkley in 2012-2013..The defense will learn, they are just very young. but it seems every time there is a 3rd and long, or a 4th down and they decide to go, you say to yourself, "Just move the chains." That will change in the next few years though. So do not worry Trojan fans!

As for my predictions...they were pretty much all wrong except the Tyler and Bradford part. It was bad....