Third-Quarter Blues
USC's scored only 17 points in the third quarter this season. By contrast the Trojans scored 47 points in the first quarter, 41 in the second and 39 in the fourth.
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USC's scored only 17 points in the third quarter this season. By contrast the Trojans scored 47 points in the first quarter, 41 in the second and 39 in the fourth.
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The 3rd quarter used to be where USC would dominate, put a few TDs on the board, and put a team away. Commentators noted that USC made great halftime adjustments. Maybe Carroll needs a new halftime speech?
What he needs is go back to being DC and bring back Chow.
Actually, USC still does a reasonable good job of defense adjustments. Nothing to speak of offensively.
The lackluster performance in the 3rd quarter is actually worse than those numbers represent, but let me say something positive first.
USC has not allowed a TD in the 3rd quarter and only 5 points total (all to Ohio State) in five games. The defense is definitely stepping it up.
Offense. OUCH. If you take away San Jose State, USC has only scored 3 points (a single FG) in five games and that came against Cal. Against Washington there were the two turnovers deep in Husky territory. There was the turnover on downs with goal to go and 2 3-and-outs against the vaunted Wazzou defense. Against Cal there was only the FG after stalling at the Bear 5 and the ill-fated drive stopped just outside the red zone after moving the ball down the field through the air only to give it straight up the middle to that inside gasher McFumbles that got nothing and Barkley trying to dribble the ball while scrambling.
Between the play calling, the position group deployment and the horrible execution it has been a comedy of errors on offense in the 3rd quarter.