After 3 weeks of the 2009 college football season the USC Trojans have the most anemic offense since Paul Hackett was the head coach, and it seems unlikely that the Trojans will finish in the top 4 (final BCS poll) for an 8th consecutive year.
The reasons behind USC's struggles on offense are obvious for all to see:
1.) Inexperience at the quarterback position. Can you imagine what a different team the Trojans would be if Mark Sanchez came back for his senior year? The main question is: how fast will Matt Barkley improve? The second question is: can Aaron Corp play better than he did in Seattle? The third question is: how did Mitch Mustain sink low enough to get beat out by an 18 year old (Barkley) and a kid (Corp) who played like a high school quarterback against the Huskies?
2.) New offensive coordinator. USC has had alot of turnover at offensive coordinator during the past four years. The main question is: will Coach Jeremy Bates (formerly with the Denver Broncos) be able to develop the current squad into a championship caliber offense. It seems an unrealistic goal to accomplish this feat in 2009. Next year the offense will have no excuse to open the season in 2010 so weakly.
3.) Poor play at wideout. Aside from Damian Williams no one seems to be able to run crisp routes in 2009. Vidal Hazelton (transfer to the Bearcats) got run out of town. David Ausberry doesn't seem to be able to get open nor can he use his superior size and strength to make catches in traffic. The injury to Ronald Johnson (fractured clavicle) really hurts right now but he should be back in time for the trip to South Bend. Brice Butler, Travon Patterson, and Jordan Cameron need to step up their games right now.
No one can fault the offensive line (possibly USC's best ever) or the current stable of running backs (also the best ever). Nevertheless, no offense can consistently run the ball effectively when defenses are stacking the box. USC will lose at least 3 games in 2009 but it will be fun to watch the offense develop and I expect the Trojans to finish strong as usual. In 2010 we will have an excellent chance at a national championship run.
Damaris Lewis
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Comments (5) Add A Comment
I'm not a USC fan, nor am I a USC hater. But you really think McKnight and Johnson are better than Bush and White? Really. Also, wondering if USC fans think if Barkley continues to play like he did against Ohio State that they could win 10 games? And don't worry about that one loss to Washington, I mean atleast it wasn't in your backyard, remember how Florida lost in their backyard to an unranked and how they got rewarded for it? So don't forget USC fans it isn't over until Charlie Weis mom sings!
weatherford blue
Austin, TX
Total Comments (154)
Absolutely, Mcknight and Johnson are extremely better that Bush and White. Both backs are more dynamic and run between the tackles better. Great blog, the Washington is a simple case of the teacher beating the teacher. You don't create a dynasty like that without knowing how to beat it. Their 22 was better than ours that day, and this young team needs to learn how to win together and bounce back together. They will be ready for Cal.
Calilove2009
El Paso , TX
Total Comments (200)
Then why didn't either backs take over the game like Bush use to?
weatherford blue
Austin, TX
Total Comments (154)
The refs were in the Huskies' pockets, and the Trojans didn't protect the football. That's why they lost in Seattle. I mean, come on...the obvious grounding and phantom roughing the passer call? I was howling...
As for Johnson/McKnight being as good as Bush/LenDale, I think they have a looong way to go before they prove that. LenDale was the bruiser and Bush was a big play threat every time he touched the ball. Not saying Johnson and McKnight aren't excellent RB's but let's not get ahead of ourselves.
I just hope Barkley's ready for Cal...don't trust Corp at all.
SafetyBlitz
Calabasas , CA
Total Comments (1747)
Safety blitz thanks for agreeing with the RB comparison, I just dont see the other RB's take over the game like Bush and white did. I mean besides the rose bowl.
weatherford blue
Austin, TX
Total Comments (154)
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