NFL
By George Lopez
Coming off a thrilling 27-20 victory of #13 LSU in their season opener, the USC Trojans face Utah St. in their home opener this Saturday night. The Trojans are riding high heading into their first game at the L.A. Coliseum and look to continue their inspired play as they look to avoid a letdown.
Leading the offense is quarterback Miller Moss, who is coming off an exceptional game against LSU. Moss completed 27-36 passes for 378 yards and 1 touchdown. LSU was able to sack Moss twice and put pressure on him during the game. Moss showed poise when pressure came and protected to ball, not committing a turnover. Moss was able to spread the ball around, completing passes to 10 different receivers.
Leading the receivers was Kyron Hudson with 5 receptions for 83 yards, including an amazing 1 handed catch that is an early candidate for catch of the year. Multi-purpose threat Zachariah Branch’s ability to line up in different spots in the offense allows Coach Riley to use him in a way that can cause mismatches for the defense. Look for Branch to line up not only as a receiver, but in the backfield as well.
The Trojans rushed for 72 yards on 22 carries against LSU. Leading the rushing attack was Woody Marks, who rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries and 2 touchdowns, including the game winning touchdown. Marks showed toughness running on the inside as well as speed when getting to the outside. Look for Marks to get the bulk of the carries for the Trojans rushing attack.
Utah St. is coming off a week one 36-14 victory over Robert Morris. Both Bryson Barnes and Spencer Petras saw action at quarterback, going a combined 21-36 for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns. Both quarterbacks did turnover the ball, throwing for 3 interceptions. Barnes is also a threat to run the ball, as he ran for 88 yards on 5 carries against Robert Morris.
The Aggies will attempt to establish the run against the Trojans as they amassed 303 rushing yards on 31 carries in their week one victory. Leading the running backs is Robert Briggs, Jr., who rushed for 88 yards on 9 carries. Rahsul Faison rushed for 78 yards on 12 carries. Look for Briggs and Faison to get the bulk of the carries for the Aggies.
Kyrese White will be a focus of the Trojans secondary. In week one, White totaled 131 receiving yards on only 3 receptions and 2 touchdowns. Look for the Trojans to roll a safety to the side of the field White will be lined up in order to provide over the top coverage.
Entering this season, the how the Trojans defense played would be a focus. New defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn was brought in during the off season to improve the defense. In their win against LSU, the defense played with an intensity and attitude that has not been seen in some time. Choosing not to blitz often against LSU, the Trojans defense swarmed to the ball all game and in the 4th quarter, imposed their will and held LSU to 3 points and ended the game with an interception by LB Mason Cobb.
With the running ability of the Aggies quarterbacks, look for the Trojans edge rushers to maintain containment to prevent the quarterbacks from escaping to the outside. The Trojans will look to their interior defensive lineman to provide pressure up the middle. Do not look for the Trojans defense to blitz often and look for the defense to play a soft coverage similar to the coverage they played against LSU with the safeties providing over the top coverage help.
Slowing down the Aggies running game will be a key for the Trojans defense. The interior defensive line will need to get off their blocks and maintain gap discipline. The edge rushers will need to maintain outside containment and the linebackers will look to keep pursuit angles and fill the holes of the inside running lanes.
Coming off an exciting win over LSU, Coach Riley will work to prevent a let down by the Trojans in their home opener. Miller Moss will look to continue spreading the ball around in the passing game to multiple receivers, a staple of Lincoln Riley’s offense. Expect the Trojans to utilize the running game more against the Aggies. Look for the Trojans to improve to 2-0 for the 2024 season.
Trojans 41
Aggies. 17
