Written by Robert Henry
The University of Southern California Trojans will meet the University of Washington Huskies on the gridiron this weekend and the projected winner by most college football analysts and fans are the Huskies. Although the Huskies are looking at an undefeated season and are ranked No.4 in the nation, they still have to face off against a very talented Trojan team. USC is ranked No. 20 in the nation now and are dying to take the Huskies down and put themselves higher up in the ranks. We have two amazing football programs and even more talented star athletes coming out on both sides.
Two matchups we will have to watch is Huskies wide receiver John Ross III against USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster against Washington cornerback Sidney Jones. It will be a battle of titans on the front line with the USC offensive line against the tough Washington defensive line. USC quarterback Sam Darnold has proven to be a force for defenses to fear.
Darnold over these last few games has proven to be very effective in the passing game. He has thrown for 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions during the Trojans five game winning streak. He is also an effective runner, with the ability to scramble out of the pocket and pick up a few yards. With his mobility, no other Power 5 conference player has been sacked at a lower rate yet this season.
The Trojans have been averaging 267 yards per game with 6.5 yards per carry on offense this season. The Trojans have a great offensive line with offensive lineman Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner helping keep Darnold safe and opening up running lanes. The Huskies do have stout defensive line, led by defensive lineman Vita Vea and Elijah Quall but if Wheeler and Banner can keep on manhandling the line of scrimmage they have recently, that can open up valuable opportunities for the offense. Even the Huskies head coach Chris Peterson admits that the USC offensive line is very talented.
The USC secondary will have to keep a close eye on Huskies wide receiver John Ross III. If Jackson and the rest of the secondary can hold Ross III at bay, we will see if the Trojans defense can make the necessary stops. Stopping Ross III would force Washington to run the ball more, or make poor passing decisions and with Jackson in the secondary, interceptions are bound to happen.
Washington defensive back Sidney Jones is an amazing defender but can he stop Smith-Schuster? Smith-Schuster has 641 yards receiving for USC and is averaging 13.4 yards a catch. When you have a talented wide reciever like Smith-Schuster and the raw talent in Darnold, it starts to become clear that we could see an upset this weekend.
Overall, USC has the weapons to fight back against the Huskies and take the win away from Washington. With Darnold’s ability to scramble and mobility in the pocket will be a big threat. Darnold has plenty of options to pick from and has a great arm for long ball plays when needed. Jackson will need to help from the rest of the USC secondary to be on point against the Washington receiving corps. If Jackson and the secondary can hold Ross III to a low yardage game and force some poor offensive decision by Washington, we will see USC take home a pivotal victory in the PAC-12. The Trojans will need to stay on point and stay focused as they have a big opportunity to take the win out from under the Washington Husk
Two matchups we will have to watch is Huskies wide receiver John Ross III against USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, and Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster against Washington cornerback Sidney Jones. It will be a battle of titans on the front line with the USC offensive line against the tough Washington defensive line. USC quarterback Sam Darnold has proven to be a force for defenses to fear.
Darnold over these last few games has proven to be very effective in the passing game. He has thrown for 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions during the Trojans five game winning streak. He is also an effective runner, with the ability to scramble out of the pocket and pick up a few yards. With his mobility, no other Power 5 conference player has been sacked at a lower rate yet this season.
The Trojans have been averaging 267 yards per game with 6.5 yards per carry on offense this season. The Trojans have a great offensive line with offensive lineman Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner helping keep Darnold safe and opening up running lanes. The Huskies do have stout defensive line, led by defensive lineman Vita Vea and Elijah Quall but if Wheeler and Banner can keep on manhandling the line of scrimmage they have recently, that can open up valuable opportunities for the offense. Even the Huskies head coach Chris Peterson admits that the USC offensive line is very talented.
The USC secondary will have to keep a close eye on Huskies wide receiver John Ross III. If Jackson and the rest of the secondary can hold Ross III at bay, we will see if the Trojans defense can make the necessary stops. Stopping Ross III would force Washington to run the ball more, or make poor passing decisions and with Jackson in the secondary, interceptions are bound to happen.
Washington defensive back Sidney Jones is an amazing defender but can he stop Smith-Schuster? Smith-Schuster has 641 yards receiving for USC and is averaging 13.4 yards a catch. When you have a talented wide reciever like Smith-Schuster and the raw talent in Darnold, it starts to become clear that we could see an upset this weekend.
Overall, USC has the weapons to fight back against the Huskies and take the win away from Washington. With Darnold’s ability to scramble and mobility in the pocket will be a big threat. Darnold has plenty of options to pick from and has a great arm for long ball plays when needed. Jackson will need to help from the rest of the USC secondary to be on point against the Washington receiving corps. If Jackson and the secondary can hold Ross III to a low yardage game and force some poor offensive decision by Washington, we will see USC take home a pivotal victory in the PAC-12. The Trojans will need to stay on point and stay focused as they have a big opportunity to take the win out from under the Washington Husk