USC is coming off a dominating performance against Fresno State. The outcome was never in question as the Trojans rolled the Bulldogs 45-17. Quarterback Caleb Williams looked elite once again distributing the ball to all the playmakers on offense. It was the type of game Trojan fans had not seen in a long time in the coliseum. There is certainly a lot to be excited about as this USC team appears to be legit through the first three weeks of the season. The Trojans are now getting ready to head to Corvallis to face an undefeated Oregon State team in week four, a site that has given top ranked USC teams fits in years past. Head coach Lincoln Riley will have other ideas as he looks to continue the Trojans dominant start.
Too Many Weapons to Worry About
With all the talent on offense that USC acquired this offseason, it was no question that it was going to be a vast improvement from last season. I don’t think anyone expected it to look this good this early in the season, however. There was a question of how Lincoln Riley would be able to make all these players who came from different systems understand how to play together. Sure enough, he has this USC offense look like they have been playing together for the last three years
The most impressive part of this offense is that it is not just one or two guys that are beating defenses. Riley is able to draw plays that are able to get the ball in the hands of someone new every play, and are just as capable of beating you as the last guy. From quarterback Caleb Williams, receivers Mario Williams and Jordan Addison, and running backs Austin Jones and Travis Dye. All of which are transfers, and all of which are getting multiple touches every game. It just goes to show how smart of an offensive mind Lincoln Riley is. This offense is going to be a problem for whoever they play, and are only going to get better going forward.
Defense Rising to the Occasion
As touched on last week, the USC defense is going to be the deciding factor in a lot of games for the Trojans. Despite Fresno State starting quarterback Jake Haener leaving the game early in the third quarter last week, the USC defense was still able to put together a strong performance. They were able to force two turnovers and record five sacks making their total to 13 which is good for second most in the country. USC’s defense does not match the talent level of their offense, but they make up for it with their aggressiveness and ability to swarm ball carriers. They have yet to face a true threat on offense, but will continue to be answer the call every week. Oregon State is not an elite offense, but they are one that is going to play with a lot of confidence and look to take advantage of playing at home.
Trojan Mindset Going into Corvallis
This is a USC team that is playing with a lot of swagger and a sense of urgency right now. They can certainly be a team that could get too high on themselves and start overlooking opponents, but Lincoln Riley is not a guy that is going to allow that to happen. He is making sure that the Trojans are going to be playing a full 60 minutes if football no matter what. At the end of the game against Fresno State, Riley said that his “favorite play of the game was the goal line stop there at the end. That’s what we’re about, no matter who thinks the game is over, or this doesn’t matter, it all matters to us and if you’re going to be a champion, it’s got to all matter to us.” This goal line stand came with 46 seconds left in the fourth quarter with the game clearly decided. That should be all you need to know about what Lincoln Riley preaches to his team every game, and it will be no different in Corvallis.