Tortoise Vs. Hare
Pete Carroll said he doesn't mind the lack of a big-play threat in the offense so far. The longest pass play against Washington State was 22 yards.
``We were a little bit more methodical last year (too). I don't care. I love to see our ability to execute. We were on the verge of scoring 60 points (last week).''
Hey Gargamel your harping on USC's lack of a big play threat makes you look like an even bigger idiot than you already are. Against Nebraska USC went 90+ yards in 4 plays. LOL The first 2 plays were 50 and 40 yards back to back. USC is averaging over 40 points a game. Did Papa Smurf fry your brain Gargamel? P.S. Gargamel you need some rogaine.
Big plays can save games-- Notre Dame a couple of years ago, and Virginia Tech prior to that. Would have been nice to have had a big play against Oregon St or UCLA last year. We had a couple in the Rose Bowl v Michigan and it made for an easier game. I think we might need a big play or two this year to get into the championship game.
Once again, USC has had 5 plays already of 40 yards or more in 3 games. If that is not considered as Big plays then I don't know what is. Some of you people amaze me. Plenty of playmakers and fast guys on this team. Quit acting like spoiled ho's.
I agree with the general sentiments above. We've got the athletes to make big plays without taking tons of shots downfield.
I'd still like to see Booty hit a couple deep balls early in the season; I felt like he was just a bit inaccurate on long throws last season. Hopefully his improved strength this season helps.
I just like watching the Trojans win.
I think the so called big play requirement is over rated. The season is still young. I think we'll see plenty of big plays before the season is over anyway. There is plenty of across the board depth and talent with this team. I think this reduces the need for the big play or one player to do it all as in the days of Bush.
I seasons past when a long scoring drive was 2 minutes, the defense spent a lot of time on the field.
I think this year is a good mix.
I agree with Giorgio except for his H word. Please check the four years before PC took over and then you understand to appreciate the good times you are enjoying. During those four years you could get a ticket at the coliseum. You know that you need a prayer, tons of money and any contact to get a ticket or tickets...
Thank you
Because we are breaking several long runs, there is less need for the long pass. Four things can happen on a pass, and three of them aren't good (sack, int, inc).
It is very demorilizing for a defense to give up a 50 and 40 yard run on the first two plays. Plus, as noted above, a strong running game can keep your defense rested.
If we can maintain the prolific rushing attack, then the defense must respect the run, and is prone to play action.
As for big plays from last year's losses, we did get a few against Oregon St. Smith had 258 yds receiving (incl. 53 & 37 yd rec), and Booty had 400+ passing. The punting unit, turnovers, and, um, a tipped pass on a 2-pt conversion cost us that game. As for FUCLA, oh forget it....
c'mon guys-stop being in denial. Big plays are just about essential to winning a national championship
The topic was "big-play threat," and "being more methodical". There is an implied "intention" involved. Yes, SC has had big plays, but they were not intentional, especially the big runs vs Nebraska (off tackles runs worked against one of the alltime worst defensive lines).
A "threat" is intentionally throwing a home-run pass, throwing long on a fake reverse run, or setting up inside screens. That is why they are called "threats", because they are intentional plays designed for big yardage if they work i.e. a big-play threat.
Finally, the fact that Trojans take the time to debate these topics indicates a love for SC football-- prior to Pete Carroll there was little Trojan talk.
Big yardage
Any team that combines a strong run, solid passing, and excellent defense wins championships. So far the balance looks good.