USC Football Week One Preview: Western Michigan
By Jason Elbaum
USC Defense vs. Western Michigan Offense
The key aspect of the match up between the Bronco offense and Trojan defense will be Western Michigan’s run-heavy power approach against the elite speed of the USC defense. Western Michigan will be looking to replace its offensive juggernaut of Zach Terrell and Corey Davis with a three-headed rushing attack featuring Jarvion Franklin, Jamauri Bogan, and Davon Tucker.
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Western Michigan’s best offensive player is unlikely to touch the ball on Saturday, but could have a huge impact on the game. 6’6″ 330-pound senior offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor is already on the radar of NFL scouts and will be looking to lead the way for his trio of running backs.
USC will be without its defensive captain Cameron Smith for the first half on Saturday, as he is suspended for a targeting penalty he picked up against Penn State in the Rose Bowl. Despite this loss, USC will look to use its defensive size and speed to create pressure for first-year starting QB sophomore Jon Wassink.
The only way Western Michigan will have success against a talented USC defense is if they can establish the run and force the Trojans to load the box. A position battle to watch will be at the nose tackle position, as senior Josh Fatu and junior Kenny Bigelow will both look to be the enforcers in USC’s 3-4 scheme.
Coach Helton has shown a great deal of respect for the Western Michigan running game in the build up to the opener, so he should have a solid game plan in place to allow USC’s speed to dominate that side of the ball.