Q&A with USC
To get more of an insider's view of the USC program, we had a Q&A with Trojan blogger Jim Wyzard at Conquest Chronicles.
Jim also had some questions about the Cornhuskers for us and fellow Husker blog Corn Nation. You can find our responses over at Conquest Chronicles.
Big Red Network: What is your biggest concern as a USC fan going into this game?
Conquest Chronicles: The secondary, we have a lot of new faces back there and the recent loss of safety Josh Pinkard due to injury takes a lot of experience away. While it’s not really a weakness, I would also like us to settle our running back situation. I realize it’s a good problem to have with all depth that SC has stocked but I will feel better when it’s all settled and someone separates himself from the pack.
BRN: Would a win over Nebraska have any special significance in your mind?
CC: I think a win does two things, it answers the questions about the drop off that USC was expected to have after losing the whole backfield, 3/5th’s of the O line and the losses we took on the defense. It also will show just how great Pete Carroll is as a coach and a recruiter. He is able to get the most of his players and his coaching style challenges his players to produce.
BRN: How hard would a loss be to take and would it change the way you think about the Trojans going forward?
CC: I think it depends on how we would lose. I don’t think anyone is expecting USC to go undefeated this season. And while no loss is a good feeling if I had to choose I would rather lose to a Nebraska than say UCLA, our bitter rivals. I have actually discussed this in some of my earlier posts on Conquest Chronicles. I think it is very possible that all of the top teams in the current polls could all have one loss by the end of the season. That would throw the BCS for a loop.
BRN: Do you think the team misses Norm Chow?
CC: Personally, I do. I realize we all look for the next challenge in our careers but Norm chow, aka The Mad Scientist, always seemed to have the right solution to counter a given teams defense. Now, with that being said I can tell you that Pete Carroll is always looking forward not back. It’s no secret that there was some friction there so its not surprising that something had to give. Kiffin and Sarkisian need to put their stamp on this offense now with their players.
BRN: Pete Carroll was known as a defensive guy in the NFL, do people hold him especially responsible for the loss to Texas last year?
CC: I don’t think so. I know that there were some detractors that felt with a month to prepare he should have had some way to contain Vince Young. Vince Young is a special player whose talent we won’t see again for quite some time. SC’s defense last year was always the question mark with the amount of injuries that we suffered. The inexperience that we had at the time has now matured into a pretty tough unit that is battle tested. I think the defense gave as good as they got in the Rose Bowl, they just happened to fall prey to a special, special player.
BRN: Would you say most fans expect USC to be back in the title game this year?
CC: I think most fans do expect USC to return to the Title game again this year. Winning is infectious and with the run that we just ended the fans are hungry for more. I think there are a lot of things that need to take place before I would be willing to expect that to happen again. Ohio State has proved why they are they are currently the #1 team in the nation. ND has also made a big statement beating PSU and Auburn is also making a statement. It’s still too early for me to expect that USC will get back to the title game. They still have some teams to beat.
BRN: In what area or position does he feel NU matches up well with USC?
CC: Your defense is solid. You led all D-1 programs with 50 sacks last year. That means penetration. Also with our young secondary not where I would like to see them in regards to experience, your receivers could make things a bit dicey.
BRN: Is there some aspect, player, or component of their team that most folks around the country don't know about, but should?
CC: Before the game against Arkansas I would have said TE Fred Davis, but I think the cat is out of the bag. His size and ability will force a DB to shadow him possibly leaving Jarrett and Smith in single coverage and that’s where SC can beat you. The SC offensive line is the key to having it all fall into place.
BRN: What does USC do best on offense and defense? Conversely, what do they do worst?
CC: Offense:
Best- Receivers and pass protection.
Worst- Well, I’d like to see a little more stability in the running game. But I wouldn’t cal it “worst”.
Defense:
Best- Stopping the run pressuring the QB and creating turnovers.
Worst- Pass coverage, with all the new faces it doesn’t take much for an experienced receiver to burn a new DB.
BRN: Do you think the 17-point spread is realistic?
CC: I’m not a gambler so I have never understood point spreads. I never discount an opponent. Too many things can happen. Lets not forget that these are kids playing in this game and sometimes kids make mistakes even on two-time National Championship teams.
I really enjoyed the give and take guys. It is always fun to be challenged when voicing your opinions.
Good luck on Saturday. I know it will be a great game.
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