Going to this game this saturday - go bears, bowling for roses
California at USC Matchups
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach Overall
Cal Offense vs. USC Defense
Cal head coach Jeff Tedford's spread passing attack is predicated on timing and rhythm, so it needs a quarterback who can make quick decisions and deliver the ball accurately. QB Nate Longshore has played well for most of the season, but Arizona did an excellent job of keeping him off balance last week and he struggled mightily. USC will look to do the same with pressure and different looks. The Trojans will blitz from different areas of the field and will drop seven into coverage at other times, forcing Longshore to adjust on the fly. In addition, the noise level at the Coliseum will make it difficult for Longshore to adjust the protection, audible and use hard counts to keep the Trojans' front seven honest. The good news for Bears' fans is Longshore should be able to find receivers DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins when he gets time. Though DC Terrell Thomas can run with all three receivers, the Trojans don't have elite depth at corner and Cal's multiple-receiver sets should create some favorable single-coverage matchups consequently. However, it's critical the Bears don't allow USC to get to Longshore early. If they are forced to run more max-protections schemes out of their two tight-end and/or two-back sets it will make it easier for the Trojans to adjust the coverage to take away the big play.
No. 17 California at No. 4 USC
vs.
When: Nov. 18, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Where: Los Angeles
Preview: Pac-10 title on line when USC hosts California
Though Cal frequently spreads the field, it's a balanced offense and offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar should get RB Marshawn Lynch more involved in the game plan this week. Lynch, who carried the ball 16 times last week, possesses a rare blend of power and explosiveness, so he rarely goes down with the first hit. Getting him more carries will help take some pressure off Longshore, set up the play action package and put the Bears in better position to sustain long drives that keep their defense well rested. However, that doesn't mean Lynch is going to have a big game. As long as the Trojans stay disciplined and tackle well, they are capable of limiting Lynch's production and putting Longshore in situations with pass-heavy tendencies. There is adequate size at defensive tackle and their defensive ends are disruptive. With the front four holding its own, the tenacious linebackers shouldn't have to fight trough a lot of traffic. Secondly, the Trojans have outstanding size in the secondary and Nickel back Mozique McCurtis weighs 225 pounds. As a result, spreading them out and forcing them to go to their Nickel package doesn't weaken the run defense as much as it would with other teams.
USC Offense vs. Cal Defense
The Trojans backfield is banged up. RB Chauncey Washington is dealing with a knee injury, backup Emmanuel Moody could miss this game with an ankle injury and reserve C.J. Gable has been hindered by a groin injury. The situation has gotten so bad that Stafon Johnson, who has carried the ball three times this year, has gotten some work with the first team. Washington and Gable are expected to play, but they will be playing hurt, so it's important the offensive line creates quality seams for them -- and that could prove difficult when they run inside. The strength of the Cal run defense is in the middle, where there is excellent size at defensive tackle and MLB Desmond Bishop plays with a mean streak. While OC Ryan Kalil is one of the best in the nation, he lacks elite size and power so USC should have some problems getting push up the middle. The Trojans backs should have more success getting outside, especially when they run left. LOT Sam Baker is quick enough to regularly seal the edge and athletic enough to sustain his blocks. ROT Kyle Williams isn't as explosive or agile as Baker. However, he's big enough to engulf defensive ends Abu Ma'afala and Nu'u Tafisi.
USC should attack DC Syd'Quan Thompson early and often when QB John David Booty drops back to pass. First off, no player in Division I-A football has more interceptions than Daymeion Hughes, who starts opposite Thompson. No statistic is as important as turnovers, and Booty needs to take care of the football, so he should look to throw away from Hughes as much as possible. Secondly, Thompson will have a hard time matching up with wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Jarrett's combination of size and speed will give Thompson problems and he isn't explosive enough to mirror Smith. However, it won't matter how open the receivers are if Booty doesn't get enough time to find them or enough space to step into his throws, so sound pass protection is critical. The biggest priority should be keeping DT Brandon Mebane out of the backfield. Mebane is an explosive pass rusher who is relentless in pursuit and Booty, like most quarterbacks, isn't as accurate throwing on the run as he is when his feet are set. Pressure up the middle forces Booty to move around and get rid of the ball quickly, greatly increasing the chances of him making a mistake. Look for the Trojans to frequently double team Mebane.
Special Teams
Cal PK Tom Schneider has been reliable, as he has connected on 10 of his 12 field goal attempts and both misses came from beyond 50 yards. He also has the power to connect on the occasional long-range field goal attempt. P Andrew Larson handles the kickoff duties, and he generally gets excellent distance. As a punter, Larson shows good range and he has placed 13 of his 39 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The kickoff return unit has been inconsistent but KORs Justin Forsett and Marcus O'Keith have excellent top-end speed and they are capable of breaking some long returns. DeSean Jackson is one, if not the most, dangerous punt return men in the nation. He has returned four punts for touchdowns, including one he took 95 yards last week. As a result, a USC punt cover unit that surrendered a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oregon State three weeks ago must have a strong game.
Trojans PK Mario Danelo has connected on 10 of his 11 field goal attempts and the lone miss came on the road, but it's worth noting that he has attempted just one field goal during USC's last four games. Backup Troy Van Blarcom handles the kickoff duties and he has the range to regularly kick the ball into the end zone. P Greg Woidneck gets adequate distance on his kicks and he is capable of pinning the Bears inside their own 20-yard line. KOR C.J. Gable reaches his top speed quickly and can go the distance if his blockers open up a seam for him. Though he hasn't been as productive as hoped, PR Desmond Reed is a shifty runner who explodes upfield and can make defenders miss.
Matchups
• USC WR Steve Smith vs. Cal DC Syd'Quan Thompson
• Cal RB Marshawn Lynch vs. USC MLB Rey Maualuga
• USC RB Chauncey Washington vs. Cal MLB Desmond Bishop
Scouts' Edge
Pac-10 fans have been waiting for this matchup all year, but don't expect the score to be as close as some might think or hope. Although both teams are 6-1 in the conference, the Trojans seem to be playing their best football of the season and the Bears lost to a mediocre Arizona team last week. In addition, this game is at the Coliseum and USC is back in the national championship race, so the environment will be hostile. Lynch will break some electrifying runs, but the Trojans' talented front seven will prevent him from controlling the tempo of the game and it will force Longshore to make plays. USC will confuse Longshore with a number of different looks and pressure him into making some poor decisions and/or errant throws. Offensively, the Trojans place a high premium on balance. They will run the ball despite the many injuries in the backfield and their backs will be productive enough to keep the Bears honest. In addition, Booty will find his receivers downfield for some big plays and force Cal to back their safeties up, effectively opening up the run.
Prediction: Trojans 35, Golden Bears 21
California at USC Matchups
QB RB WR OL DL LB DB ST Coach Overall
Cal Offense vs. USC Defense
Cal head coach Jeff Tedford's spread passing attack is predicated on timing and rhythm, so it needs a quarterback who can make quick decisions and deliver the ball accurately. QB Nate Longshore has played well for most of the season, but Arizona did an excellent job of keeping him off balance last week and he struggled mightily. USC will look to do the same with pressure and different looks. The Trojans will blitz from different areas of the field and will drop seven into coverage at other times, forcing Longshore to adjust on the fly. In addition, the noise level at the Coliseum will make it difficult for Longshore to adjust the protection, audible and use hard counts to keep the Trojans' front seven honest. The good news for Bears' fans is Longshore should be able to find receivers DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins when he gets time. Though DC Terrell Thomas can run with all three receivers, the Trojans don't have elite depth at corner and Cal's multiple-receiver sets should create some favorable single-coverage matchups consequently. However, it's critical the Bears don't allow USC to get to Longshore early. If they are forced to run more max-protections schemes out of their two tight-end and/or two-back sets it will make it easier for the Trojans to adjust the coverage to take away the big play.
No. 17 California at No. 4 USC
When: Nov. 18, 8 p.m. ET, ABC
Where: Los Angeles
Preview: Pac-10 title on line when USC hosts California
Though Cal frequently spreads the field, it's a balanced offense and offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar should get RB Marshawn Lynch more involved in the game plan this week. Lynch, who carried the ball 16 times last week, possesses a rare blend of power and explosiveness, so he rarely goes down with the first hit. Getting him more carries will help take some pressure off Longshore, set up the play action package and put the Bears in better position to sustain long drives that keep their defense well rested. However, that doesn't mean Lynch is going to have a big game. As long as the Trojans stay disciplined and tackle well, they are capable of limiting Lynch's production and putting Longshore in situations with pass-heavy tendencies. There is adequate size at defensive tackle and their defensive ends are disruptive. With the front four holding its own, the tenacious linebackers shouldn't have to fight trough a lot of traffic. Secondly, the Trojans have outstanding size in the secondary and Nickel back Mozique McCurtis weighs 225 pounds. As a result, spreading them out and forcing them to go to their Nickel package doesn't weaken the run defense as much as it would with other teams.
USC Offense vs. Cal Defense
The Trojans backfield is banged up. RB Chauncey Washington is dealing with a knee injury, backup Emmanuel Moody could miss this game with an ankle injury and reserve C.J. Gable has been hindered by a groin injury. The situation has gotten so bad that Stafon Johnson, who has carried the ball three times this year, has gotten some work with the first team. Washington and Gable are expected to play, but they will be playing hurt, so it's important the offensive line creates quality seams for them -- and that could prove difficult when they run inside. The strength of the Cal run defense is in the middle, where there is excellent size at defensive tackle and MLB Desmond Bishop plays with a mean streak. While OC Ryan Kalil is one of the best in the nation, he lacks elite size and power so USC should have some problems getting push up the middle. The Trojans backs should have more success getting outside, especially when they run left. LOT Sam Baker is quick enough to regularly seal the edge and athletic enough to sustain his blocks. ROT Kyle Williams isn't as explosive or agile as Baker. However, he's big enough to engulf defensive ends Abu Ma'afala and Nu'u Tafisi.
USC should attack DC Syd'Quan Thompson early and often when QB John David Booty drops back to pass. First off, no player in Division I-A football has more interceptions than Daymeion Hughes, who starts opposite Thompson. No statistic is as important as turnovers, and Booty needs to take care of the football, so he should look to throw away from Hughes as much as possible. Secondly, Thompson will have a hard time matching up with wide receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith. Jarrett's combination of size and speed will give Thompson problems and he isn't explosive enough to mirror Smith. However, it won't matter how open the receivers are if Booty doesn't get enough time to find them or enough space to step into his throws, so sound pass protection is critical. The biggest priority should be keeping DT Brandon Mebane out of the backfield. Mebane is an explosive pass rusher who is relentless in pursuit and Booty, like most quarterbacks, isn't as accurate throwing on the run as he is when his feet are set. Pressure up the middle forces Booty to move around and get rid of the ball quickly, greatly increasing the chances of him making a mistake. Look for the Trojans to frequently double team Mebane.
Special Teams
Cal PK Tom Schneider has been reliable, as he has connected on 10 of his 12 field goal attempts and both misses came from beyond 50 yards. He also has the power to connect on the occasional long-range field goal attempt. P Andrew Larson handles the kickoff duties, and he generally gets excellent distance. As a punter, Larson shows good range and he has placed 13 of his 39 punts inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The kickoff return unit has been inconsistent but KORs Justin Forsett and Marcus O'Keith have excellent top-end speed and they are capable of breaking some long returns. DeSean Jackson is one, if not the most, dangerous punt return men in the nation. He has returned four punts for touchdowns, including one he took 95 yards last week. As a result, a USC punt cover unit that surrendered a 70-yard punt return for a touchdown against Oregon State three weeks ago must have a strong game.
Trojans PK Mario Danelo has connected on 10 of his 11 field goal attempts and the lone miss came on the road, but it's worth noting that he has attempted just one field goal during USC's last four games. Backup Troy Van Blarcom handles the kickoff duties and he has the range to regularly kick the ball into the end zone. P Greg Woidneck gets adequate distance on his kicks and he is capable of pinning the Bears inside their own 20-yard line. KOR C.J. Gable reaches his top speed quickly and can go the distance if his blockers open up a seam for him. Though he hasn't been as productive as hoped, PR Desmond Reed is a shifty runner who explodes upfield and can make defenders miss.
Matchups
• USC WR Steve Smith vs. Cal DC Syd'Quan Thompson
• Cal RB Marshawn Lynch vs. USC MLB Rey Maualuga
• USC RB Chauncey Washington vs. Cal MLB Desmond Bishop
Scouts' Edge
Pac-10 fans have been waiting for this matchup all year, but don't expect the score to be as close as some might think or hope. Although both teams are 6-1 in the conference, the Trojans seem to be playing their best football of the season and the Bears lost to a mediocre Arizona team last week. In addition, this game is at the Coliseum and USC is back in the national championship race, so the environment will be hostile. Lynch will break some electrifying runs, but the Trojans' talented front seven will prevent him from controlling the tempo of the game and it will force Longshore to make plays. USC will confuse Longshore with a number of different looks and pressure him into making some poor decisions and/or errant throws. Offensively, the Trojans place a high premium on balance. They will run the ball despite the many injuries in the backfield and their backs will be productive enough to keep the Bears honest. In addition, Booty will find his receivers downfield for some big plays and force Cal to back their safeties up, effectively opening up the run.
Prediction: Trojans 35, Golden Bears 21
