Just thought I'd throw out a few points that struck me about the USC matchup.
1)Royston's impact will be felt.
Our safety situation was godawful early last season, Theret had just come off of his suspension, Manuel and C. Lewis were still glowing from the toasting they got against USD. If Salamon can play his part and allow Royston to read Barkley, could be an opportunity for a big game. Also Stoudemire didn't play CB last year, I think there is a good chance our secondary is better than we all think, not deep at all, but that's a different issue.
2)If USC is indeed preparing for NIU, Lair could be a differencemaker. It's become obvious that Lair is not a typical Kill/Limegrover TE/Hback, he's got skills beyond what they usually have at that position, combined with Gray's running potentially sucking the LBer's/Safeties up the the LOS, Lair could be a guy that gets free early and often, he's got good open field running ability to cause some damage.
3)Our run defense will be ok, expect Beal/Tinsley/Rallis/Cooper to limit between the tackles damage, and Stoudemire/Salamon/Royston/Vereen to be better at defending the perimeters, if the Lber's can handle the run better, the PA pass will be less deadly than it was last year.
4)Marcus Jones will have an opportunity to shine if they choose not to kickoff to Stoudemire, can he rise to the occasion? We'll see.
Feeling better about this game everyday as I read more into it.
Wild card will be desperation by USC if things stay too close for comfort, Kiffin cannot lose this game, it would hurt his motivation for his team all season which has nothing to play for but pride and an AP championship.
1)Royston's impact will be felt.
Our safety situation was godawful early last season, Theret had just come off of his suspension, Manuel and C. Lewis were still glowing from the toasting they got against USD. If Salamon can play his part and allow Royston to read Barkley, could be an opportunity for a big game. Also Stoudemire didn't play CB last year, I think there is a good chance our secondary is better than we all think, not deep at all, but that's a different issue.
2)If USC is indeed preparing for NIU, Lair could be a differencemaker. It's become obvious that Lair is not a typical Kill/Limegrover TE/Hback, he's got skills beyond what they usually have at that position, combined with Gray's running potentially sucking the LBer's/Safeties up the the LOS, Lair could be a guy that gets free early and often, he's got good open field running ability to cause some damage.
3)Our run defense will be ok, expect Beal/Tinsley/Rallis/Cooper to limit between the tackles damage, and Stoudemire/Salamon/Royston/Vereen to be better at defending the perimeters, if the Lber's can handle the run better, the PA pass will be less deadly than it was last year.
4)Marcus Jones will have an opportunity to shine if they choose not to kickoff to Stoudemire, can he rise to the occasion? We'll see.
Feeling better about this game everyday as I read more into it.
Wild card will be desperation by USC if things stay too close for comfort, Kiffin cannot lose this game, it would hurt his motivation for his team all season which has nothing to play for but pride and an AP championship.
