USC-Oregon State Preview

The 19th nationally ranked defense of the USC Trojans will face yet another large test Thursday night. Sean Mannion of Oregon State embodies that test. Although Oregon State’s top wide receiver Victor Bolden won’t be able to play, Mannion has a variety of receivers and an efficient backfield to rely on. This is also the reason Mannion will likely break the Pac-12 all-time passing yards record, as he is only 989 yards away from Matt Barkley’s record of 12,327.

The USC secondary will have to be on their A-game versus Oregon State’s high-powered offense. The Trojans’ secondary is third in the Pac-12 in passing defense, giving up only 166.3 yards per game, and they have yet to yield a passing touchdown. Thus, proving that Oregon St. definitely has their own test in facing the USC secondary. Despite that, the Beavers come to Los Angeles with a 3-0 record, they’ve played a lower caliber of competition.

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coach Steve Sarkisian said the team was sharper than usual for a Tuesday after getting a jump on the game plan Monday.

— Michael Lev (@MichaelJLev) September 23, 2014

Of course the USC season just wouldn’t be the same without a bit of controversy. Perhaps it will lead to a win considering nothing of note came to light in lieu of the Boston College game. Off the field drama actually began during the bye week when running back turned defensive back D.J. Morgan officially retired from the program to focus on his track and field career. Morgan had been battling a nagging knee injury that had kept him sidelined since last season.

Sark said

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RB D.J. Morgan retired from football to focus on track. Morgan still recovering from knee injury that sidelined him for 2013.

— Adam Maya (@AdamJMaya) September 16, 2014

And, of course, there was even more off-the-field drama. For those whom had not heard, Victor Blackwell has gone AWOL from the USC program and there is yet to be a timetable mentioned for his return. Frustrated with his playing time, Blackwell abandoned ship to ponder his future. Steve Sarkisian commented on Blackwell’s departure in short detail, “He’s trying to decide personally what to do,” Sarkisian said. “He’s frustrated with his playing time and we’re a little frustrated with his commitment to the program.”

This ultimately means that the Trojans still have depth issues. But, not to be afraid. This team can still play at a high level and compete. ‘Minor’ situations like this can take effect on a locker room with many young underclassmen who are starters. Despite Oregon State’s lack of a very competitive schedule, they have a good number of veteran leadership. That veteran leadership will also be quite motivated to be the first Beavers team to defeat USC in Los Angeles in 54 years.

The Trojans have motivation in their own right after a humiliating loss to Boston College on the road. Not only the safe confines of home will fuel the fire, but the fact that this is a conference game will definitely serve as focus for the Trojans to play up to speed.

Oregon St. will be looking to earn their first conference win. Portland State, Hawaii, and San Diego St were great warm-ups for the Beavers, but this is where the schedule gets real for them. The Beavers will be out to prove themselves as a Pac-12 contender and winning on the road in L.A. is a catalyst to show that.

USC’s viewed expectation is to establish the run game effectively. The Trojans were brutalized versus Boston College on the ground. The Trojans will also need to FINISH drives with points. The offense has to start showing more promising signs of production and progression. The defense by and large is spending too much time on the field as a result. And, the Trojans will need to change that in a conference where high-powered offenses thrive. Finally, the Trojans will need to come out with a mindset to handle their business and NOT think of “avoiding the upset.”