NFL
By: George Lopez
The USC Trojans return to the LA Coliseum this Saturday as they host Wisconsin in a BIG10 showdown. Both teams are looking to rebound as the Badgers fell to Alabama 42-10 in their last game and the Trojans were defeated 27-24 by Michigan in an exciting game.
In their loss to Michigan, the Trojans were thoroughly dominated in the first half of the game. The Trojans allowed 199 rushing yards to the Wolverines in the first half while they struggled to get their offense in gear. In the 2nd half, Trojans defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn made key adjustments that slowed down Michigan’s running attack. Michigan did rush from 290 yards in the game against the Trojans defense.
Wisconsin will look to test the Trojans run defense early in the game. The Badgers running attack is led by Chez Mellusi, who has rushed for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Badgers ‘ games. RB Cade Yacamelli is expected to see time in the backfield. This season, Yacamelli has rushed for 147 yards spelling Mellusi. With Wisconsin averaging 182 net passing yards per game, look for Coach Lynn to devise a scheme to slow down the Badgers running game. Look for the Trojans to use a run blitz both from outside the tackles as well as from the inside with linebackers Mason Cobb and Eric Gentry.
Offensively, the Trojans struggled to find a rhythm in the first half against Michigan, as they were held to 3 first-half points. Pass protection was an issue for the Trojans offensive line as quarterback Miller Moss was sacked 4 times and faced pressure throughout the game. In the first half, the offensive line also struggled to open running lanes for the Trojans rushing attack. Similar to the defense, the Trojans offense was able to make halftime adjustments that allowed the offense to find its rhythm in the 2nd half.
For the game, Moss completed 28-51 passes for 283 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 1 interception proved to be costly as Michigan was able to return it for a touchdown. Michigan was able to take away the deep pass from the Trojans attack. Miller countered the Wolverines’ deep pass coverage by attacking the outside as well as finding receivers on shallow crossing routes. Leading the Trojans receivers was Zachariah Branch, who had 6 receptions for 96 yards. Look for Branch to be a primary target for Moss against Wisconsin. The Badgers cannot place all their focus on Branch, as Moss likes to spread the ball around. In the game against Michigan, Moss completed passes to 8 different receivers. Look for Moss to continue to spread the ball around.
Woody Marks leads the Trojans’ rushing attack. Against Michigan, Marks ran for 100 yards on 13 carries. For the season, Marks has rushed for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns. In their loss to Alabama, the Badgers allowed 181 rushing yards. Look for the Trojans to establish the running game early. If the Trojans get their running game going early, this will open the passing game for Moss and company.
Both teams are looking to bounce back from tough losses in their last game. The Badgers will look to dominate the Trojans’ defense with their running game early on and will look to slow down the Trojans’ rushing attack. In their loss to Michigan, the Trojans proved to themselves they have the game necessary to be competitive in the BIG10 conference. Look for the Trojans to earn their first conference win of the season.
