Phil Murphy gets the latest recruiting intel from across the college football landscape.
Dr. Stone, would you give the court your impression of Mr. Striker?
I'm sorry, I don't do impressions. My training is in psychiatry.
I'm sorry, I don't do impressions. My training is in psychiatry.
- An awesome video of the Wildcats at play during the bye week.
- ASU receivers have developed a strange case of the dropsies.
- The Bears should get some defensive reinforcements for this week.
- Oregon State's offense provides a stiff challenge for the Buffs.
- A really nice read on Josh Huff and how he made it to Eugene.
- Kevin Cummings grows into his role as a complementary receiver.
- The thought process behind Stanford's fourth-down decisions.
- Jim Mora is still putting together his facilities wish list.
- USC defensive tackle Leonard Williams is a game-changer.
- A look back at previous Holy Wars where Utah was always in control.
- Some video of Steve Sarkisian talking about Arizona's tempo.
- Washington State will have to match Stanford's physicality.
We're chatting today at noon PT or 3 p.m. ET, depending on where the sun is in your sky.
Stop by with questions, complaints and insults.
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Stop by with questions, complaints and insults.
Click here to join the fun!
LOS ANGELES - - The deciding factor in Saturday night’s huge Pac-12 South showdown between the USC Trojans and the Arizona State Sun Devils in Sun Devil Stadium might just be the efficiency of each team’s defensive line.
Both teams have highly publicized and physically dominant defensive linemen, manned by elite players that can impose their will on the opponent’s offensive line, which will go a long way in determining the game’s outcome.
Arizona State’s defensive line, however, has the will that could tilt the battle in the trenches in the Sun Devils’ favor. The ASU “will” is senior defensive nose tackle Will Sutton, whose 2012 heroics distinguished him as a consensus All-American, the Pat Tillman Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and the Morris Award winner, which goes to the Pac-12’s top defensive lineman as voted by the conference’s offensive linemen.
Both teams have highly publicized and physically dominant defensive linemen, manned by elite players that can impose their will on the opponent’s offensive line, which will go a long way in determining the game’s outcome.
Arizona State’s defensive line, however, has the will that could tilt the battle in the trenches in the Sun Devils’ favor. The ASU “will” is senior defensive nose tackle Will Sutton, whose 2012 heroics distinguished him as a consensus All-American, the Pat Tillman Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, and the Morris Award winner, which goes to the Pac-12’s top defensive lineman as voted by the conference’s offensive linemen.
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Pac-12 recruiting storylines: Sept. 26 
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
2:00
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Two Arizona showdowns, two impressive visitors to the Pacific Northwest and recent recruiting attention for two standout juniors highlight this week's top storylines in the Pac-12 conference.
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Thoughts from around college football
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
10:00
AM PT
By
Steve Bisheff | ESPN.com
They’re only college football opinions, but at least they’re all mine:
Until USC establishes Nelson Agholor as the pass-catching threat he definitely can be, Marqise Lee will continue to struggle as the team’s primary target . . .
The difficult thing to understand is why Lane Kiffin seems so hesitant to throw more to Agholor, who was the best player on the team in spring practice . . .
Until USC establishes Nelson Agholor as the pass-catching threat he definitely can be, Marqise Lee will continue to struggle as the team’s primary target . . .
The difficult thing to understand is why Lane Kiffin seems so hesitant to throw more to Agholor, who was the best player on the team in spring practice . . .
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Want to ask ESPN RecruitingNation senior analyst Tom Luginbill a question about your team? Tweet it to @TomLuginbill using the hashtag #AskLoogs.
I’m not convinced that Lane Kiffin’s personal credibility is at stake with prospective student athletes, but moreover the perception and credibility of the overall program based on wins and losses is what prospects see most. In a world of uncertainty, players want as much of it as they can possibly get when possible. If USC continues to struggle on the field, then more negative publicity will be directed at the program and create uncertainty over Kiffin’s long term viability as the head coach. This is never a good thing especially with UCLA’s sudden resurgence and ASU, along with Washington and others, starting to come on. If a coach’s job is constantly in jeopardy then that will allow for negative recruiting tactics against them by their competitors. Who would have ever thought that the class of the Pac-12 would be Oregon, not USC? High school prospects in the state of California (even out of it, their best defensive player is from Florida) still view USC a premier program, but confidence is waning. USC might not have their pick of the litter the way they’ve been accustomed to in the past, but I think it is more of a byproduct of NCAA sanctions and a lack of meeting a level of expectations than it is the credibility of Kiffin in the eyes of recruits.
Hey #AskLoogs ! How high or low is Lane Kiffin's credibility level with High School recruits? A loaded question since I'm for ASU #GoDevils
— doug620 (@doug620) September 18, 2013
I’m not convinced that Lane Kiffin’s personal credibility is at stake with prospective student athletes, but moreover the perception and credibility of the overall program based on wins and losses is what prospects see most. In a world of uncertainty, players want as much of it as they can possibly get when possible. If USC continues to struggle on the field, then more negative publicity will be directed at the program and create uncertainty over Kiffin’s long term viability as the head coach. This is never a good thing especially with UCLA’s sudden resurgence and ASU, along with Washington and others, starting to come on. If a coach’s job is constantly in jeopardy then that will allow for negative recruiting tactics against them by their competitors. Who would have ever thought that the class of the Pac-12 would be Oregon, not USC? High school prospects in the state of California (even out of it, their best defensive player is from Florida) still view USC a premier program, but confidence is waning. USC might not have their pick of the litter the way they’ve been accustomed to in the past, but I think it is more of a byproduct of NCAA sanctions and a lack of meeting a level of expectations than it is the credibility of Kiffin in the eyes of recruits.
USC TE Grimble preparing for more chances
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
8:00
AM PT
By Johnny Curren | ESPN.com
While the USC passing game continued to sputter throughout much of the team’s clash with Utah State last weekend, the performance of tight end Xavier Grimble -- highlighted by arguably play of the day -- was one of the few bright spots.
Hauling in a 30-yard scoring strike over the middle from Cody Kessler, Grimble’s second-quarter touchdown would not only play a crucial part in the Trojans’ eventual 17-14 victory, but it also marked the first time that the 6-foot-5, 250-pound junior has found the end zone this season, and the 10th time in his career.
“Oh man, it was great,” said Grimble, who also made a nine-yard reception in the game. “I broke the huddle, walked up, saw their coverage and where their linebackers were placed ... had a good, clean release and I was able to get out fast. I knew that if [Kessler] saw me open, I was going to score a touchdown. I’m glad I was able to get in there.”
And Grimble -- who teams with Randall Telfer to give the USC offense one of the best tight end duos in college football -- is hoping Saturday’s touchdown is just the first of many more to come this season. A big target with solid all-around skills, the Las Vegas Bishop Gorman product has worked hard to put himself in position to become a vital part of the passing offense, if so called upon, in 2013.
“As far as pass-catching goes, I’m always ready ... that’s how I like to be,” said Grimble, who has recorded eight receptions this season, and 52 in his career. “Every chance that I get to catch the ball, I’ve got to maximize. And I was put in a good position on Saturday, and I maximized that opportunity.”
But in order for that to happen on a consistent basis, a USC aerial attack which has struggled in three of the team’s first four contests this fall will have to come together and show vast improvement -- in a hurry. Plagued by a general lack of rhythm between Kessler and his receivers, inconsistent offensive line play and a number of dropped balls, the Trojans' offense currently ranks No. 108 nationally with an average of just 163.5 passing yards per game.
“I think it’s going to be a thing where we’ve just got to get better week-to-week,” Grimble said. “I think we’ve got a ton of practice experience, but we really need that game experience. Going back and watching film, we’re pretty much just a pass or play away from cracking some games open, gaining some momentum and getting things rolling. We’re still putting it together, but I think it’s going to come soon.”
Ideally, Grimble and the Trojans would like that upswing in production to begin this weekend when USC takes on Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz. But that might be easier said than done. After all, the Sun Devils feature an aggressive defense that ranks No. 17 nationally against the pass (159 yards allowed per game) and is headlined by 2012 Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Will Sutton. And while Grimble is well aware of what the Trojans' offense is set to go up against, he’s also encouraged by what he has seen from the unit this week in practice. He’s excited for the challenge.
“Arizona State is always a talented team,” Grimble said. “You’ve always got to watch out for a few guys. They’ve got some big, strong guys up front, some talented guys in the secondary and they always seem to have a good linebacker corps. I think it’s going to be an exciting game for us to really take our preparation, and to be ready to go once the game starts.”
Whether the Trojans’ passing game gets on track in time for Saturday’s kickoff could determine if the team escapes the hot Arizona desert with a victory or a loss. And if it does, one thing you can expect to see is more big plays from Grimble, who eagerly awaits the opportunity.
“I’m always looking for the ball,” Grimble said. “I’m never going to stop looking and running hard, and when the ball comes my way I’m going to be ready to make the play.”
[+] Enlarge
Jayne Kamin-Oncea/US PresswireUSC tight end Xavier Grimble has caught 52 passes in his career, 10 for touchdowns.
“Oh man, it was great,” said Grimble, who also made a nine-yard reception in the game. “I broke the huddle, walked up, saw their coverage and where their linebackers were placed ... had a good, clean release and I was able to get out fast. I knew that if [Kessler] saw me open, I was going to score a touchdown. I’m glad I was able to get in there.”
And Grimble -- who teams with Randall Telfer to give the USC offense one of the best tight end duos in college football -- is hoping Saturday’s touchdown is just the first of many more to come this season. A big target with solid all-around skills, the Las Vegas Bishop Gorman product has worked hard to put himself in position to become a vital part of the passing offense, if so called upon, in 2013.
“As far as pass-catching goes, I’m always ready ... that’s how I like to be,” said Grimble, who has recorded eight receptions this season, and 52 in his career. “Every chance that I get to catch the ball, I’ve got to maximize. And I was put in a good position on Saturday, and I maximized that opportunity.”
But in order for that to happen on a consistent basis, a USC aerial attack which has struggled in three of the team’s first four contests this fall will have to come together and show vast improvement -- in a hurry. Plagued by a general lack of rhythm between Kessler and his receivers, inconsistent offensive line play and a number of dropped balls, the Trojans' offense currently ranks No. 108 nationally with an average of just 163.5 passing yards per game.
“I think it’s going to be a thing where we’ve just got to get better week-to-week,” Grimble said. “I think we’ve got a ton of practice experience, but we really need that game experience. Going back and watching film, we’re pretty much just a pass or play away from cracking some games open, gaining some momentum and getting things rolling. We’re still putting it together, but I think it’s going to come soon.”
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“Arizona State is always a talented team,” Grimble said. “You’ve always got to watch out for a few guys. They’ve got some big, strong guys up front, some talented guys in the secondary and they always seem to have a good linebacker corps. I think it’s going to be an exciting game for us to really take our preparation, and to be ready to go once the game starts.”
Whether the Trojans’ passing game gets on track in time for Saturday’s kickoff could determine if the team escapes the hot Arizona desert with a victory or a loss. And if it does, one thing you can expect to see is more big plays from Grimble, who eagerly awaits the opportunity.
“I’m always looking for the ball,” Grimble said. “I’m never going to stop looking and running hard, and when the ball comes my way I’m going to be ready to make the play.”
What to watch in the Pac-12: Week 5
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
10:15
AM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell | ESPN.com
A few things to keep an eye on in the Pac-12 this week.
- League play is upon us: Rejoice! Now the Pac-12 teams can gut each other with their nine-game conference schedule and lose all of that national credibility it built up in the first four weeks of the season. This year, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, it doesn’t look like there are any easy outs. Would anyone really be shocked if Colorado beat Oregon State based on what we’ve seen? The only one that would be truly shocking would be Cal beating Oregon -- and we might raise an eyebrow if Washington State beats Stanford in Seattle -- especially sans David Yankey for the game and Ed Reynolds for a half.
- Nonconference notes: A good tidbit from the folks at the Pac-12 offices regarding the league’s 29-4 nonconference record: Since 1934, only one season witnessed the conference capture more than 29 wins in nonleague play; 2002 (32-15), when the league played an eight-game conference schedule, allowing an additional 10 non-conference games to be played. There are three nonconference games remaining (a possible fourth pending Colorado’s situation) against Notre Dame. The Pac-12 is contracted with seven bowl games, so there could be as many as 11 more nonconference games.[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY SportsUSC's Morgan Breslin has recorded four sacks this season for the Trojans. - Battle of elites (1): Two of the league’s top running backs will be on the field in Seattle on Saturday -- though not at the same time. That would mean either a bizarre trade or either Ka’Deem Carey or Bishop Sankey playing defense. In terms of rushing yards per game, they are separated by less than a yard (149.5 for Carey, 148.67 for Sankey). Yards per carry? It’s even closer (6.97 for Sankey, 6.95 for Carey). Both have four rushing touchdowns. While it’s not truly head-to-head, this could be one of those games folks look to when awarding postseason honors.
- Battle of elites (2): Two of the league’s top wide receivers will be on the field in Corvallis on Saturday -- though not at the same time. That would mean a bizarre trade or either Brandin Cooks or Paul Richardson playing defense. Cooks leads the nation with 43 catches for 639 yards and seven touchdowns. In only two games, Richardson has 21 catches for 417 yards and four touchdowns. Sixty percent of the time Cooks catches the ball, Oregon State either gains a first down or scores a touchdown.
- Battle of elites (3): Two of the league’s top defensive players will be on the field in Tempe on Saturday -- though not at the same time. That would mean either a bizarre trade or either Morgan Breslin or Will Sutton playing offense (which would be awesome!). Breslin is tied for the conference lead in total sacks (four) with teammate George Uko and leads the league in tackles for a loss per game. Sutton, on the other hand, has nine tackles, no sacks and half a tackle for a loss. The reason? Teams are double- and triple-teaming him like crazy. Plus, ASU has faced more run-based teams in the first few weeks. This week might be a good time for him to break out.
- Speaking of USC: How good has the defense been? According to ESPN Stats & Information, none of the four quarterbacks USC has seen has posted a Total QBR above 30. The Trojans are also blitzing a lot more under new coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Last year they blitzed 25 percent of the time. This year it’s up to 46 percent. And when they blitz, opposing QBs are completing just 41.9 percent of their throws, throwing it away or ending up on the ground.
- All hands: With big quarterback numbers come big receiving numbers. Six Pac-12 receivers have hauled in 10 or more catches in a game eight times this season, led by Cooks and Richardson with two each. Also, 17 different receivers have posted 100 or more receiving yards in a game 26 times, led by Cooks and Utah’s Dres Anderson with three games each.
- Layoff impact: Colorado is playing for the first time since its Sept. 7 win over Central Arkansas, which seems like months ago, though it actually has been only 20 days. After their Sept. 14 game with Fresno State was called off because of the flooding, the Buffs had a bye in Week 4. This is Colorado’s first trip to Corvallis. The previous two meetings (1931, 1963) took place in Portland. This is the last Pac-12 team Colorado is yet to play since joining the league (though the Cal game in 2011 was the back end of a home and home that didn’t count in the conference standings).
- Tough road: This is the second-straight game against a top-five team for California, which faces No. 2 Oregon this weekend. The Bears have gotten huge numbers out of true freshman quarterback Jared Goff, who leads the FBS with 435.3 yards per game. But the defense has been hammered with injuries. Not good, considering 12 different Ducks have scored touchdowns so far.
- Odds and ends: Worth noting that four more Pac-12 receivers were recently added to the Biletnikoff watchlist: Cal’s Bryce Treggs, Oregon State’s Richard Mullaney and Washington State’s Gabe Marks, who are all in action this weekend. Utah's Dres Anderson is the fourth … UCLA and the Utes are off this week in anticipation of their Thursday night showdown next week in Salt Lake City.
Pac-12 predictions: Week 5
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
9:00
AM ET
By
Kevin Gemmell and
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Kevin Gemmell went 7-0 last week and improved to a scintillating 33-3. Ted Miller went 6-1, missing with his Holy War pick, a selection he made only to put the stink on BYU. But Utah fans shouldn't send any more checks his way.
Miller therefore fell to 31-5. Gemmel; is already making plans for the $1 million he gets if he wins the season.
All games are Saturday.
Arizona at Washington
Gemmell: Not sure what to make of Arizona yet. It hasn’t been pressed, and the passing game is still a question mark. Taking on a Washington team that has been pushed -- and is at home -- seems like a lot to overcome. And I wouldn’t worry about Washington looking over the horizon to the Stanford game next week. It'll be focused on revenge after what happened last year in Tucson. Washington 38, Arizona 24.
Miller: The Wildcats have had two weeks to prepare, but a team can't really prepare for an atmosphere like Husky Stadium. While Wildcats QB B.J. Denker has played in road games, this will be a new level of extreme. The real issue is how effective Denker is throwing the football. If the Wildcats can achieve efficient balance, the holes will be bigger for RB Ka'Deem Carey. It also will be interesting to see how the Wildcats newly stout defense holds up against the Huskies' highly rated offense. Washington 35, Arizona 20.
USC at Arizona State
Gemmell: Plenty of great sidebars and storylines in this must-win game for both teams. The Sun Devils are holding on to whatever national credibility they have by a thread. USC is riding the coattails of its defense. If Arizona State can put together 60 minutes instead of 15, I think it wins by a couple of touchdowns. If it doesn't, it could be tight. ASU 24, USC 21.
Miller: We know USC's defense is good. Do we yet know if the Trojans' offense is going to be this bad all season? The first question is whether Trojans QB Cody Kessler's throwing hand is 100 percent. The passing game went south against Utah State last weekend after he got hurt. And what will Sun Devils QB Taylor Kelly be able to do against that tough USC defense? Arizona State 21, USC 17.
Colorado at Oregon State
Gemmell: Much like Arizona, I’m waiting to see what Colorado is really made of. I love the start, and everyone feels good about the Buffaloes being 2-0. But Oregon State’s passing game has been wickedly efficient and the Sean Mannion-to-Brandin Cooks connection is one of the best in the country. The Buffs will score points, but before I start picking them in a league game on the road, I need to see just how much they’ve grown up. The two weeks off is also a wrench in predictions. They could be super rested, or super rusty. Oregon State 48, Colorado 38.
Miller: Colorado is a better team than it was in 2012, we know that. But being better and being ready to win on the road in the Pac-12 are two different things. I want to see what Buffs QB Connor Wood and WR Paul Richardson can do against a suspect Beavers defense. Oregon State 40, Colorado 28.
California at Oregon
Gemmell: Another step in the maturation of Jared Goff. Being down defensively isn’t where you want to be when playing Oregon -- especially on the road. No reason why the Ducks don’t keep things rolling. Oregon 49, Cal 21.
Miller: Both teams were off last weekend, and Cal needed a break. But Autzen Stadium isn't a place to go to heal a season. I think this one might get a bit lopsided. Oregon 50, California 20.
Stanford vs. Washington State (in Seattle)
Gemmell: Will be interesting to see how the Cougars attack Stanford early with Ed Reynolds out for the first half. I'm guessing they go at the heart of the Stanford secondary because running against the Cardinal will be a chore. Turnovers have been Washington State’s Achilles Heel (11 total, minus-3 ratio, worst in the league). Stanford will do what Stanford does. And what Stanford does should be more than enough. Stanford 31, Washington State 17.
Miller: Stanford will be missing All-American OG David Yankey, too, so the Cougs' front-seven will be catching a break. No guard in the country is better at pulling, so that hits the Cardinal's bread-and-butter. But Stanford figures to take this one seriously because the Cougars gave them trouble last year, is an obviously improved team and the Cardinal turned in a woeful fourth quarter last weekend against Arizona State. Stanford 35, Washington State 22.
Miller therefore fell to 31-5. Gemmel; is already making plans for the $1 million he gets if he wins the season.
All games are Saturday.
Arizona at Washington
Gemmell: Not sure what to make of Arizona yet. It hasn’t been pressed, and the passing game is still a question mark. Taking on a Washington team that has been pushed -- and is at home -- seems like a lot to overcome. And I wouldn’t worry about Washington looking over the horizon to the Stanford game next week. It'll be focused on revenge after what happened last year in Tucson. Washington 38, Arizona 24.
Miller: The Wildcats have had two weeks to prepare, but a team can't really prepare for an atmosphere like Husky Stadium. While Wildcats QB B.J. Denker has played in road games, this will be a new level of extreme. The real issue is how effective Denker is throwing the football. If the Wildcats can achieve efficient balance, the holes will be bigger for RB Ka'Deem Carey. It also will be interesting to see how the Wildcats newly stout defense holds up against the Huskies' highly rated offense. Washington 35, Arizona 20.
USC at Arizona State
Gemmell: Plenty of great sidebars and storylines in this must-win game for both teams. The Sun Devils are holding on to whatever national credibility they have by a thread. USC is riding the coattails of its defense. If Arizona State can put together 60 minutes instead of 15, I think it wins by a couple of touchdowns. If it doesn't, it could be tight. ASU 24, USC 21.
Miller: We know USC's defense is good. Do we yet know if the Trojans' offense is going to be this bad all season? The first question is whether Trojans QB Cody Kessler's throwing hand is 100 percent. The passing game went south against Utah State last weekend after he got hurt. And what will Sun Devils QB Taylor Kelly be able to do against that tough USC defense? Arizona State 21, USC 17.
Colorado at Oregon State
Gemmell: Much like Arizona, I’m waiting to see what Colorado is really made of. I love the start, and everyone feels good about the Buffaloes being 2-0. But Oregon State’s passing game has been wickedly efficient and the Sean Mannion-to-Brandin Cooks connection is one of the best in the country. The Buffs will score points, but before I start picking them in a league game on the road, I need to see just how much they’ve grown up. The two weeks off is also a wrench in predictions. They could be super rested, or super rusty. Oregon State 48, Colorado 38.
Miller: Colorado is a better team than it was in 2012, we know that. But being better and being ready to win on the road in the Pac-12 are two different things. I want to see what Buffs QB Connor Wood and WR Paul Richardson can do against a suspect Beavers defense. Oregon State 40, Colorado 28.
California at Oregon
Gemmell: Another step in the maturation of Jared Goff. Being down defensively isn’t where you want to be when playing Oregon -- especially on the road. No reason why the Ducks don’t keep things rolling. Oregon 49, Cal 21.
Miller: Both teams were off last weekend, and Cal needed a break. But Autzen Stadium isn't a place to go to heal a season. I think this one might get a bit lopsided. Oregon 50, California 20.
Stanford vs. Washington State (in Seattle)
Gemmell: Will be interesting to see how the Cougars attack Stanford early with Ed Reynolds out for the first half. I'm guessing they go at the heart of the Stanford secondary because running against the Cardinal will be a chore. Turnovers have been Washington State’s Achilles Heel (11 total, minus-3 ratio, worst in the league). Stanford will do what Stanford does. And what Stanford does should be more than enough. Stanford 31, Washington State 17.
Miller: Stanford will be missing All-American OG David Yankey, too, so the Cougs' front-seven will be catching a break. No guard in the country is better at pulling, so that hits the Cardinal's bread-and-butter. But Stanford figures to take this one seriously because the Cougars gave them trouble last year, is an obviously improved team and the Cardinal turned in a woeful fourth quarter last weekend against Arizona State. Stanford 35, Washington State 22.
What is the key matchup for the Trojans game against Arizona State?
Garry Paskwietz: There are a couple good options to choose from in this one but I’m going to go with the USC passing game against the Sun Devils pass defense. Of course, part of this choice depends upon the SC offensive line going up against the ASU D-line, which includes the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in Will Sutton. The Trojans will absolutely have to give Cody Kessler some time in this one and they will certainly have their hands full in that area.
But the real key will come with the Kessler connections to Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor because those combinations simply haven’t gotten on track this year. It stands to reason they will need to in this game because the Trojans are going to have to put a decent point total on the board if they hope to come away with a win. The Sun Devils are currently ranked No. 2 in the conference in pass defense by allowing just 159 yards per game through the air. Both Lee and Agholor are capable of reaching that number on their own if the passing game is clicking.
Garry Paskwietz: There are a couple good options to choose from in this one but I’m going to go with the USC passing game against the Sun Devils pass defense. Of course, part of this choice depends upon the SC offensive line going up against the ASU D-line, which includes the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in Will Sutton. The Trojans will absolutely have to give Cody Kessler some time in this one and they will certainly have their hands full in that area.
But the real key will come with the Kessler connections to Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor because those combinations simply haven’t gotten on track this year. It stands to reason they will need to in this game because the Trojans are going to have to put a decent point total on the board if they hope to come away with a win. The Sun Devils are currently ranked No. 2 in the conference in pass defense by allowing just 159 yards per game through the air. Both Lee and Agholor are capable of reaching that number on their own if the passing game is clicking.
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Planning for success: USC Trojans
September, 26, 2013
Sep 26
5:00
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
For the USC Trojans, one of the most important factors to their plan for success against ASU on Saturday night will be to find their rhythm on offense.
There has really only been one game this season -- the victory over Boston College -- where the offense was really on track. There was balance (257 yard rushing, 264 yards passing), a strong running attack with 43 attempts and a well-spread out passing game that completed passes to eight different receivers.
Chances are good that the run game will be there against the Sun Devils. The Trojans have been very consistent with the commitment to the run while averaging 42 attempts per game with 4.2 yards per rush (176.5 yards per game). ASU ranks No. 11 in the Pac-12 in rush defense at 174 yards per game.
The big key will be for the passing game to be there as well. Against Boston College, Cody Kessler hit on 14 straight passes at one point and led the team on four long scoring drives. Kessler and Max Wittek combined to finish the game by completing 17 of 19 passes with an average of over 15 yards per completion. In the three other games this year, the Trojans hit on only 47 of 90 passes at just over eight yards per completion. Against Washington State, the average completion was only 4.9 yards.
It’s not like the Trojans went to an aerial circus against Boston College in order to achieve a balanced offense. There were 19 attempts but they were called in an effective manner. It also helped that passes were caught that day. Drops have admittedly been an issue in other games.
Kessler followed that performance by hitting on eight of his first 12 passes for 106 yards against Utah State before suffering a bruised hand. After the injury, he completed just five of his last 14 throws.
Assuming Kessler has recovered by Saturday, it will be critical for him to hit enough passes to keep the Sun Devils from crowding the line to stop the run, a strategy that worked for the Aggies last week. The ASU pass defense is strong -- ranked No. 2 in the Pac-12 while giving up only 159 passing yards per game. Trojans receivers Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor are certainly capable of big games against anybody but a lot will depend on the ability of the USC offensive line to give Kessler time when needed. ASU has the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year with defensive lineman Will Sutton while the Trojans have given up nine sacks already this year.
If the Trojans can find that balance and rhythm for the offense on Saturday it would go a long way toward coming out of Tempe with a victory.
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY SportsCody Kessler's recovery from a bruised hand will be crucial to USC finding its rhythm on offense.
Chances are good that the run game will be there against the Sun Devils. The Trojans have been very consistent with the commitment to the run while averaging 42 attempts per game with 4.2 yards per rush (176.5 yards per game). ASU ranks No. 11 in the Pac-12 in rush defense at 174 yards per game.
The big key will be for the passing game to be there as well. Against Boston College, Cody Kessler hit on 14 straight passes at one point and led the team on four long scoring drives. Kessler and Max Wittek combined to finish the game by completing 17 of 19 passes with an average of over 15 yards per completion. In the three other games this year, the Trojans hit on only 47 of 90 passes at just over eight yards per completion. Against Washington State, the average completion was only 4.9 yards.
It’s not like the Trojans went to an aerial circus against Boston College in order to achieve a balanced offense. There were 19 attempts but they were called in an effective manner. It also helped that passes were caught that day. Drops have admittedly been an issue in other games.
Kessler followed that performance by hitting on eight of his first 12 passes for 106 yards against Utah State before suffering a bruised hand. After the injury, he completed just five of his last 14 throws.
Assuming Kessler has recovered by Saturday, it will be critical for him to hit enough passes to keep the Sun Devils from crowding the line to stop the run, a strategy that worked for the Aggies last week. The ASU pass defense is strong -- ranked No. 2 in the Pac-12 while giving up only 159 passing yards per game. Trojans receivers Marqise Lee and Nelson Agholor are certainly capable of big games against anybody but a lot will depend on the ability of the USC offensive line to give Kessler time when needed. ASU has the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year with defensive lineman Will Sutton while the Trojans have given up nine sacks already this year.
If the Trojans can find that balance and rhythm for the offense on Saturday it would go a long way toward coming out of Tempe with a victory.
Pac-12 reporter Ted Miller says USC QB Cody Kessler and the Washington defense are on the spot this week in the conference.
USC wants penalties to be consistent
September, 25, 2013
Sep 25
11:40
AM PT
By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
After years of unsuccessfully battling the NCAA in hopes of getting relief from the punitive sanctions in the Reggie Bush case, USC officials reacted positively to the news that the NCAA gradually would reduce the penalties for the Penn State football program related to the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.
Having dealt with NCAA sanctions himself, Trojans coach Lane Kiffin knows the impact this will have on Nittany Lions coach Bill O'Brien.
"I think that's awesome," Kiffin said. "Knowing what it's like to go through and trying to manage those numbers and plan down the road as we have, now for Bill not to have to do that as much is great for him. I've had a chance to talk with him a couple times, and he's doing an awesome job there, so I'm really happy for him."
USC athletic director Pat Haden, meanwhile, focused on the future, looking for changes that would ensure consistent penalties for all schools.
"Like the rest of country, we have just learned of the NCAA's actions regarding the restoration of some of Penn State's scholarships," Haden said in a statement released on USC's website. "As you know, the NCAA is currently engaged in the process of evaluating and potentially reforming its governance structure. We look forward to having a positive impact on that process.
"We also are hopeful that the NCAA's recently-enacted enforcement and penalty reforms will result in a consistent and fair enforcement and penalty process for all its institutions. USC will continue to work cooperatively with the NCAA towards that goal."
Aging black leather and hospital bills,
Tattoo removal and dozens of pills.
Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments,
But rock on completely with some brand new components.
Tattoo removal and dozens of pills.
Your liver pays dearly now for youthful magic moments,
But rock on completely with some brand new components.
- A couple of undersized freshmen receivers are helping Arizona's cause.
- A young LB might earn a start for Arizona State.
- Lining up where California stands as it gets ready for No. 2 Oregon.
- Colorado now faces an old problem: Winning on the road.
- There could be lots of passing at Oregon on Saturday so prepare for a long night.
- Oregon State LB Joel Skotte calls his demotion a "wake up call."
- Stanford will be without All-American OG David Yankey and All-American safety Ed Reynolds -- for a half -- against Washington State.
- UCLA should get RB Damian Thigpen back after the off week.
- USC QB Cody Kessler and WR Marqise Lee say they are healthy and the offense will be, too, at Arizona State. Penn State getting relief from NCAA sanctions again makes it clear how corrupt and unfair the process against USC was.
- Utah is happy with its start but it knows things will only get tougher with the Pac-12 schedule ahead.
- Washington has no excuses for poor defensive effort at Arizona last year.
- A chat with Washington State defensive coordinator Mike Breske.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mark Saxon
Mark Saxon is a staff writer for ESPNLosAngeles.com. He spent six years at the Orange County Register, and began his career at the Oakland Tribune, where he started an 11-year journey covering Major League Baseball. He has also covered colleges, including USC football and UCLA basketball.
Arash Markazi
Arash Markazi joined ESPNLosAngeles.com as a columnist and writer after five years with Sports Illustrated. Markazi has also written for Slam, King, Vibe and Playboy and is on the board of directors for the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation.
2013 TEAM LEADERS
| PASSING | ATT | COMP | YDS | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C. Kessler | 104 | 66 | 832 | 6 |
| RUSHING | CAR | YDS | AVG | TD |
| T. Madden | 110 | 583 | 5.3 | 3 |
| J. Davis | 42 | 311 | 7.4 | 5 |
| RECEIVING | REC | YDS | AVG | TD |
| M. Lee | 30 | 385 | 12.8 | 1 |
| T. Madden | 12 | 135 | 11.3 | 3 |
| TEAM | RUSH | PASS | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Offense | 190.6 | 189.8 | 380.4 |
| TEAM | PF | PA | MARGIN |
| Scoring | 26 | 21.2 | 4.8 |