Shane Foley’s USC-Stanford Preview

Assessing the USC offense

Cody Kessler was coming off a career game against Fresno State with last year’s MVP performance in the Las Vegas Bowl. He picked up where he left off, just at a faster pace. Off-season chatter about the conference’s top quarterbacks focused on Marcus Mariota and Brett Hundley, mentioned on many shortlists for Heisman consideration. The next level included Oregon State’s Sean Mannion and Arizona State’s Taylor Kelley. Kessler sat somewhere in the middle of the pack.

However, there was nothing “in the middle” about his performance last Saturday. For the first time in school history, the offense played with an up tempo, no huddle system. But it looked like the game slowed down for him. Kessler appeared very comfortable and he made the game look easy. He played in a similar system in high school and was a standout point guard on his preps basketball team. Running this offense was second nature to him.

Kessler was decisive and confident in executing a well-designed game plan. He set the tone early by making precise throws on third downs to move the chains on the first scoring drive. He made plays with his feet and threw the ball accurately on the run. Kessler kept his eyes downfield when scrambling toward the line of scrimmage. He’s not going to have many break away runs, but his job in this system is to manage the game, make good decisions, and distribute the football by taking what the defense gives him.

He also showed maturity not only by throws he made, but also by what he did not force.  There were several throws he might have been able to make but wisely threw away to fight another day. He showed toughness hanging in the pocket, taking a big hit on his touchdown strike to Bryce Dixon. Toughness is often understated at the quarterback position but he has developed it and has shown that he can handle pressure. Kessler made the play of the day when he spun off a Bulldog linebacker and delivered a strike to an in-stride Agholor, who made an acrobatic catch reminiscent of Lynn Swann catching a ball that had bounced off of his shoulder pads.

Kessler finished 25-37 for a career high 394 yards with four passing touchdowns, one rushing score, and no interceptions.  The offense converted on its first eight third downs and finished 11-18 for 61 percent. Max Browne got valuable playing time in the fourth quarter and he finished 3-4 passing. He and Kessler need to work on sliding to avoid collisions.

The game plan was evident early and it emphasized a team approach under Coach Sarkisian, which is a huge departure from the bubble screen and force-feeding that was prevalent in the Lane Kiffin era. The offensive production was gaudy with 701 total yards, a new conference record of 105 offensive plays, and no punts all afternoon.  It seems significant that the Trojans set the conference record for plays in their inaugural game especially considering the frenetic offensive systems that have been in effect in conference for years.

Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver JuJu Smith (9) carries the ball on a 53-yard reception against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Ten receivers caught passes and eight players carried the football. Eleven true freshmen played in the first game and several made an immediate impact. Among them were Juju Smith, Adoree’ Jackson and Bryce Dixon. They were complemented by cagey veterans Agholor, Rogers, George Farmer and Victor Blackwell.

Agholor is Kessler’s go-to receiver but Smith emerged quickly as a very physical player, especially for a true freshman. Rogers is also a big, physical receiver at 215 lbs, but he showed great quickness and precision getting open on routes in the first drive for three clutch first down catches. It truly is a new era with a team approach. Multiple players stepped up to make plays. Jackson made a tough catch after getting drilled by Fresno State’s All-American defensive back Derron Smith and he bounced right back up. There was plenty of talk about his play making ability during camp but the toughness he showed on both sides of the ball is a difference maker. Farmer saw his first significant action at receiver, a long time coming. Blackwell made an impact with three catches and significant yards after catch.

When the offense runs a conference-record 105 plays, there are plenty of opportunities to get the ball into many players’ hands.  The Trojans had 424 receiving yards and four touchdown catches. Senior tight end Randall Telfer did not have any catches although he was open on several plays.  Look for him to make an impact this week against Stanford.  He did a great job drive blocking and he also uses his feet well to hook and seal linebackers. He and Bryce Dixon are big bodies that can stretch a defense vertically in the seam.  Tight end Chris Willson broke his foot in the game so there will be tryouts for two-way players and conversions to fill the void.

Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans tailback

(37) carries the ball against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. USC defeated Fresno State 52-13. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Trojans finished with 277 yards rushing.  Buck Allen led the way with 133 yards on 22 carries for a six yard average and he fit right into the new system. His vision and cutting ability make him a perfect fit for this offense. Getting the ball from the shotgun formation allowed him to read his blocks better and hit the open holes on Saturday.  He can cut on a dime and has great vision and anticipation reading blocks. Expect the opposing defense to be much different this Saturday.

Justin Davis finished with 30 yards but he did not have many opportunities to get into space.  Both backs demonstrated toughness and savvy picking up blitzes and protecting the quarterback. Soma Vainuku does not get many touches but he makes an impact when he has the football. At nearly 270 lbs and 4.5 speed, he is a beast with the football. Look for him to get some situational touches from the tailback position.  He also does a great job blocking from the up position in a double tight formation.

James Toland saw a lot of action in the second half. He showed solid determination and he does not waste any movement hitting the hole. Tre Madden, when healthy, is a workhorse and will be a good power option as well.

The Trojans’ offensive line coach Tim Drevno was a huge acquisition for Coach Sarkisian in the offseason and the move already looks like it is paying dividends. The offensive line play was the biggest surprise of the day and they were the catalyst for dominant yardage, number of plays and time of possession that the Trojans piled up. USC started two true freshmen on the offensive line for the first time in school history. They did not disappoint. 6-3, 280-pound Toa Lobendan is quick and aggressive getting off the line of scrimmage and he also pulls and gets downfield with great effort to pick up second blocks. Mammoth right guard Damien Mama, 6-5, 370 lbs, he moves well for a big man.  There were plays that he just manhandled his opponents to create huge holes.

Aug 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans left tackle

(72) against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Max Tuerk moved to the center position which seemed like a questionable move with his ability to play guard and tackle, but it was the right decision. His size, quickness, and leadership are best utilized in the middle and he will set the tone up front all season.  He is a big center at 6-6, 285 lbs but he plays low and drives on run blocking and he has long arms to help in pass blocking. 6-9, 350-pound right tackle Zach Banner fills out the right side and he is one big body. He has had some injuries but it is hard to believe that he has been in the program for three years and is just now seeing the field. He played a physical brand of football and he dominated the defensive end all game.

Senior Chad Wheeler at left tackle is still undersized up top but has very good feet and he is quick for a 6-7 tackle.The left side of the line is smaller and quicker than the right and they must be focus on playing with quickness, technique, and aggression.  The offensive line will be tested on Saturday but the line already looks better than they did all of last year.