Scrimmage Analysis
The quarterbacks made some mistakes that would be glaring in a game (Corp's tipped pass interception by Rey Maualuga, Mustain's interception returned for a touchdown) but Mustain showed a flair and ability to move the offense.
Stats are always a bad indicator during scrimmages, because it depends on which unit you were with and which defense you faced, etc. Corp was efficient but the pass-blocking was often atrocious when he played.
The offensive line continues to be an issue, even though it should be noted Jeff Byers and Alex Parsons were out. And the wide receivers are not showing anything dramatic either. Vidal Hazelton fumbled while Patrick Turner and David Ausberry got only fleeting chances. The tight ends (Jimmy Miller, Rhett Ellison) caught nine passes for 134 yards, which is perhaps a sign that the coaches want to keep it conservative for the quarterbacks.
Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson look like the main weapons right now, but if the blocking doesn't improve, it might not matter who plays quarterback.
Bottm line, offense is going to suck (again)! Get ready for a lot of nail-biters and winning ugly.
Damn if USC could only get a top Offensice Coordinator and O-line coach. (Oh thats right, they had them but Pete's ego couldnt handle sharing the credit so he got rid of them.)
"And the wide receivers are not showing anything dramatic either."
So, what that is supposed to shock me? When was the last time USC WR's did anything? 2005?
One last time for the hearing impaired:
GET THE THREE STOOGES OUT OF THERE, ENOUGH OF HAZELTON TURNER AND ASS-BERRY
I am so sick of Turner catching 4 yard slants and immediately going down or VH fumbling or Ausberry not even being close to where he is supposed to be on the field..We are looking at the SAME EXACT TEAM AS LAST YEAR. Good defense, OK running game, ZERO PASSING GAME EXCEPT FOR DEPSERATION DUMP OFF TO TE.
You don't think other teams go that figured out by now? Hell Oregon Triple covered Fred Davis last year..and that was the end of the USC offense..it's not rocket science. Double the TE and stack everyone else on the line, and USC might get 3 points in the game. I saw tOSU SS usually covers the other team's best WR. WE DON'T HAVE A BEST WR...OUR BEST WR IS RHETT ELLISON
THINK WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE NC THAT WAY?
"And the wide receivers are not showing anything dramatic either."
So, what that is supposed to shock me? When was the last time USC WR's did anything? 2005?
One last time for the hearing impaired:
GET THE THREE STOOGES OUT OF THERE, ENOUGH OF HAZELTON TURNER AND ASS-BERRY
I am so sick of Turner catching 4 yard slants and immediately going down or VH fumbling or Ausberry not even being close to where he is supposed to be on the field..We are looking at the SAME EXACT TEAM AS LAST YEAR. Good defense, OK running game, ZERO PASSING GAME EXCEPT FOR DEPSERATION DUMP OFF TO TE.
You don't think other teams go that figured out by now? Hell Oregon Triple covered Fred Davis last year..and that was the end of the USC offense..it's not rocket science. Double the TE and stack everyone else on the line, and USC might get 3 points in the game. I saw tOSU SS usually covers the other team's best WR. WE DON'T HAVE A BEST WR...OUR BEST WR IS RHETT ELLISON
THINK WE ARE GOING TO WIN THE NC THAT WAY?
I'm not surprised that the offense is struggling, at this point. They are young and inexperienced at vital positions; OL, Q (#6 injured). And most important, they are going against probably the #1 or #2 defense in the nation. I'd be more worried if Maualuga wasn't intercepting passes, or Clay Matthews wasn't batting them down. This experienced defense better be all over the offense, for now. If the defense has to carry them, even through the first game, as they head toward Ohio State, so be it. And by that time-- you offensive 'winners and gamer's'--better have your heads out of your.....playbooks and show up, big time!!
Yes, they will beat Virginia, close game or not!
good points Ricky.
But, I think we have some young talent-Williams, Butler, and maybe Patterson-ready to be unleashed. And, what about Cameron?
McKnight is also a threat. So I think the talent is there, but the issue is will they be given a chance?
The whole is sometimes greater than the sum total of its parts. I believe this will be true with Troy this year. The defense could be lights out, which means the offense may only have to muster 20 points, or less, to win most ballgames. Can they do it?-- Yes.
SC has some very good running backs, and the leading duo at the moment of McKnight and Johnson could be the best in the nation at year's end.
Quarterbacking seems to be in good hands with Sanchez pretty mobile (assuming he comes back from his injury) and with playing time under his belt. Mustain is pretty heady and has big-time game experience. And the new kid Corp can run, and is the wild card.
Receiving, the Big-3 have a year under their belt, so they have to be improved. And SC brought in some new blood if the Big-3 cannot produce.
The offensive line has been inconsisent, but all the boys have not been able to play at the same time. If healthy, I think it will be good enough, given our exemplary backs.
And don't forget, the offense is going up against one of the Top-5 defenses, at least, in the nation. Thankfully, SC does not play SC this year, so that should be factored into the equation.
Bottom line-- The Trojans will be alright, will have a season-affecting game early with Ohio State, but probably will be at least a Top-5 team for the 7th straight year. And maybe might go all the way!
Pete Carroll should let the competition decide who plays at wide receivers. Damian Williams,Ronald Johnson,Brandon Carsell, D.J. Shoemate, and David Ausberry. Do not let how long you being at USC decide the playing time. I so disappointed with the 5 stars receiver from Tenn. Go Trojan
Of course if our offense was moving the ball all the time on the defense, we would be reading posts about how poor our defense is at covering the pass and how we can't get a decent pass rush....In practices, the defense will ALWAYS be ahead of the offense because they are very familiar with the techniques and know what is coming, obviously a huge advantage...Once again, it would be nice if people could just relax and be fans...At least let the games start before we start complaining huh!
I can go all day picking out all the negatives but that won't help us get any W's and just bring us down.
On a positive note, I think it's great that our offense is getting hammered by one of hte TOP defenses in the nation. Once the season starts and they face a more inferior defense it would be much easier. They will perform well and develop some confidence that should help them when they face tougher challenges later in the season - well 2nd game of the season. haha
Did you see when McKnight hyperextended his elbow? Was it a severe injury?