USC Football: Two ways to improve the USC offense

The USC Football Trojans are not off to the start that the fans had expected, in large part due to the lack of offensive firepower in games two and three.

The USC Football Trojans are off to a 1-2 start after losing back to back road games to Stanford and Texas.

In those two games, the USC offense scored a total of 17 points, that’s not going to get it done. The offense is too predictable and very basic. I think the offensive attack is basic because the Trojans have a true freshman quarterback in JT Daniels and they’re trying to simplify things for him.

If that’s the case, they need to try something different. With very winnable games coming up over next few weeks against Washington State, Arizona and Colorado, it is time to change the offensive game plan.

1. Get creative with the offense 

The Trojans offense is dull; there is no motion. They need to change that. USC should include more movement to give the defense a different look and to free up the receivers, more especially JT Daniels favorite target, Amon-Ra ST. Brown.

They could also benefit from installing some bunch formations; they are trendy in the NFL. Bunch formations cause a lot of confusion for defense because you won’t know which route each receiver is running.

In a Bunch formation, most of the time the defense has to play zone to defend the bunch set. Then your receivers can attack the weak spots of the zone and pick the defense apart. Lastly, I would incorporate the no-huddle offense.

I like this because if you get off to a slow start you can jump-start your offense by quicking up the pace and it will get the defense tired.

2. Run The Ball

Running the Ball would help the USC Football offense. They have to capable backs in Stephan Carr and  Aca’Cedric Ware.

Carr could be special. He runs well and he can catch out of the backfield. I think he should get at least 20 to 25 touches a game. Ware is more of a physical runner that will get you those tough yards in between the tackles and can bust a long run every now and then.

Establishing the run would give USC some nice balance and take some of the pressure off JT Daniels. Running the ball also would open up the play action passing game, which would be great for Daniels with his ability to throw the football down the field.

Lastly, when running is effective, it helps your defense stay fresh because you possess the ball longer and the defense is on the sideline resting and is fresh later in the game.

In the end, USC needs to do more on offense to be successful this season. If not, head coach Clay Helton’s seat will get hotter.