JIMMY THE GREEK SAYS

[jimmythegreek]

(6) USC -10 over Stanford:
Fighting on after cruising through the lesser competition through the first 2 games and putting up 114 points, USC (2-0) begins Pac 12 play Saturday hosting Stanford (1-1) at the LA Memorial Coliseum. While the wine and gold expect a more physical contest than their first 2 40 point cakewalk victories, the approach will remain on taking care of business not taking anything for granted according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. The Cardinal meanwhile, bounced back in a fairly impressive way crushing Central Florida 31-7 last week after finding themselves victim to a 16-6 upset in the opener against Northwestern in a then nationally ranked role. 

The ground eating tandem of Ronald Jones (14-169 12.1 2 TD) and Tre Madden (19-142 7.5 3 TD) proves dangerous for opposing front sevens given their speed and agility on the field to turn modest gains into big plays. USC has ran for 470 yards in blowout victories over Arkansas St and Idaho thus far, and pose an equally dangerous threat on the arm of Cody Kessler (45/57 650 7 TD). Kessler likes to work at a break neck pace, and has a couple of targets in his arsenal that are off to fast starts thus far. Juju Smith Schuster (14-281 3 TD) more than doubled his week 1 output catching 10 passes for 192 yards and 2 scores against the Vandals. Issac Whitney (3-66 1 TD) is part of a half dozen receivers to provide versatility and balance options for Kessler especially when it comes to considerable gains on first down and late possession conversions. Sure Southern Cal has yet to be tested against a defense that could slow down their tempo or possibly contain their deep backs, but there is so much speed on this team opposing corners and safeties will most certainly have their hands full. Recent history against the Cardinal hasn't featured much success for USC running the ball, as only 2 RB's gained more than 100 yards over the last few years have topped 100 yards including a triple OT win back in 2011 that resulted in a 56-48 win for the Cardinal. Stanford behind Ben Martinez and Kevin Anderson lead the Cardinal in tackles and have yielded just 255 yards per contest. They are stacked up and physical with the strength and stamina to force negative plays from scrimmage as well as forcing turnovers which could lead to short fields if Stanford could take advantage.

Kevin Hogan (37/64 496 3 TD 1 INT) bounced back from a relatively inefficient week 1 loss to the Wildcats against UCF. Hogan threw for 3 TD passes and his 341 yards accounted for better than 20 yards per completion last week. That included a 93 yard scoring pass to Bryce Love (2-135 1 TD) and a flea flicker to Michael Rector (5-96 1 TD) that went for 53 more yards. All purpose back Christian McCaffrey (9-82 1 TD) and Devon Cajuste (6-63) provide more weapons in the Cardinal passing game that could keep things interesting if this turns into a shootout with either team needing to play catch up. McCaffrey (32-124 3.9) is the primary RB but the Cardinal are at a huge disadvantage personnel and athleticism wise compared to USC offense, and even thinner on the line which may force Hogan on the run to make more rushed and ill-advised throws. USC has allowed just 15 points so far, and they are led by Cameron Smith and Matt Lopes leading a defense that despite yielding 356 yards per contest has made big plays when they count with the opposition falling behind early and forced to take chances.

Speaking of taking chances, USC will work quickly to try and speed up the tempo of the contest behind Kessler and a juggernaut of a running game. While the nature of the play calls could result in no huddle, Kessler behind a stout offensive line will enhance quick drops targeting his receivers setting up quick first downs which USC will also use to their advantage depending on big gains from Jones and Madden. Stanford is never in any hurry and would prefer to slow down the pace executing on more balanced time consuming drives. That's not to say Hogan won't take some chances down the field, but the running game could be put to the test if the Cardinal cannot mix it up. Their overall scheme is to aim to keep the Trojans' explosive offense off the field and avoid turning this into a track meet. If Hogan doesn't make mistakes and can methodically move the ball, this could be another one of those contests that is decided by the special teams or whom possesses the ball last. I just don't see this Stanford squad unlike previous classes hanging with an offense capable of scoring points and gaining yards in bunches. What may seem like a tight competitive first half will be orchestrated in dominance by USC going away in the second half.

[jimmythegreek]

California -6 over Texas (bought half):

Jared Goff takes the undefeated Golden Bears (2-0) on a journey south and east down the coast to face the Texas Longhorns (1-1) Saturday night in the National spotlight from Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. This has been one highly anticipated matchup for both teams since the schedule was released earlier this season. The high scoring Golden Bears basically tore through the competition in the first few weeks winning over Grambling and San Diego St by an average of nearly 44 points. Sonny Dykes doesn't plan on looking ahead to next week when Pac-12 play officially begins, so Cal plans to stay sharp in this high-profile contest against a true Big 12 competitive foe who is looking to shed some of the rust from their embarrassing blowout loss to the Irish several weeks back. 

 

Texas is going to be tested in stopping California's explosive offense which is led by Goff (41/56 630 6 TD 2 INT). Through their first 2 games, the Golden Bears have averaged about 54 points per contest largely in part due to the 6'4" projected first round choice for the upcoming NFL Draft. Goff possesses a quick drop in play action with a cannon for an arm connecting well with top targets Kenny Lawler (8-103 3 TD) and Bryce Treggs (7-116). Trevor Davis (4-170 1 TD) is coming off a big game against the Aztecs (3-138 1 TD) and Goff has a line behind him with ample time to choose his receivers. In the backfield, Daniel Lasco (24-137 5.7 2 TD) ran for 123 yards in the 4 TD win over SDSU. Couple Lasco with Khalfani Muhammad (12-102 8.5) as an all purpose option back, and The Golden Bears are well-balanced on the offensive side of the ball. The key to Goff's success is protection behind the line and to not fall into the trap of beating himself by forcing throws which may result in turnovers for the opposition. The Longhorns don't have anything resembling a dominant force up front right now unless the 6-foot-3, 314-pound Hassan Ridgeway ascends to his 2014 form or beyond what he produced as a sophomore. As LB Malik Jefferson experiences more exposure to points happy oppositions, he will be more focused to make big plays. Having to depend on a defense that can force the opposition to either punt or cause turnovers, it will unfortunately need to be the Longhorn's best offense.

 

The Horns righted the ship in a hurry evening their mark with a 42-28 win over Rice last week. The combination of Jerrod Heard (5/8 130 2 TD) and Tyrone Swoopes (8/25 101) has yet to find their identity in the passing game, so establishing control of the tempo is essential early since Cal has such a decisive edge in scoring. Heard (12-84 7.0) could prove to put some plays together calling his own number, but Texas lacks a power back. John Burt (2-117 1 TD) and Armante Foreman (2-43 1 TD) is about all the horns have in their receiving core. Through 2 games they are limited to no 100 yard rushers and just 2 TD's on the ground thus far. The Longhorns may need to rely on their special teams as well. Against Rice Daje Johnson returned a punt 85 yards to paydirt and Jefferson picked up a fumble and scampered 26 yards to the house. He may also need to be depended on to catch some passes if Texas QB's have time in the pocket. Cal's defensive line is deep and experienced led by DE Todd Barr who has a couple of sacks as well as tackles for losses thus far. Safety Darmalay Drew (5-11, 200) and cornerback Darius Allensworth (6-0, 190) are two of the more productive players on the field defensively for Cal. Keep an eye on NB Cameron Walker (5-10, 185), who's got two sacks, two tackles for loss and one interception on the season.

 

I have this line inflated pass double digits comparing the tale of the tape between both these teams. The hype seems to make the odds a bit more realistic if you consider tradition of the matchup just by university names alone, but I'm not buying into it one bit. This could be a long day for Texas especially if Goff has his way and scurries his Golden Bears out to a big lead early. Texas simply does not have the weapons on either side of the ball to hang close. Charlie Strong may need to page Vince Young in the second half before all is said and done. You may not want to blink if you like big play football from a prolific offense like Cal's. On the other side of the coin, Texas fans would prefer not to look once the final gun sounds. Best of luck however you play!

 

YTD 1-1 .500

[vegaseagles]

thanks jimmy great info

[Balco]

 

Like USC a lot.

[pvcpipe]

Nice write ups JTGR.

 

I also think Cal will roll Tejas