(Photo: Seatgeek)
Campus Clash
(20) USC Trojans at (4) Indiana Hoosiers
USC (7-2):
They’ve been having a pretty interesting season this year, and one thing I can admire is that they’re showing they can hang with the nation’s elite while still trying to put together an elite season of their own, if you understand where I’m coming from. Lincoln Riley, to me, is the best offensive-minded coach in the country, and his track record speaks for itself. I think about the teams he had in Norman with the Oklahoma Sooners, how they often ranked at the top of many major statistical categories in the country, and how about the quarterbacks who have played for him? Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and Caleb Williams are all playing at the next level right now. All three won the Heisman Trophy and were selected first overall in their respective NFL Drafts. At this moment, the USC Trojans sit at 7-2 with a conference record of 4-2 in the Big Ten, highlighted by a huge win over a previously second-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes team, which I consider to be Lincoln Riley’s signature win in Southern California. I never have a doubt in my mind about their offense and what they’re capable of doing. My biggest takeaway, however, is how their defense is improving. You have to start somewhere, right? They are more than capable of playing at a high level, but they still have some trouble performing consistently across the board. The games against Oregon and Rutgers show me they still struggle against offenses that can create explosive plays. On Saturday afternoon, the Trojans make their way to Bloomington for a conference showdown with the defending national champions.
Indiana (8-1):
Say what you want about them, but this is a good football team, and good teams show they can win games in several ways, from blowouts to close battles. Also, they have become a national powerhouse, all thanks to Curt Cignetti. Ever since the loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes, they’ve cruised to consecutive victories. They weren’t necessarily the prettiest, but again, who said winning had to be perfect? I’m about to channel my inner Herman Edwards, and that’s simple: You play to win the game! This group does just that. A few weeks back, they got all they could handle against the Michigan Wolverines at the Big House, and that game was a street fight (all defense), with only one touchdown being scored. The following week, they got another solid effort from the Minnesota Golden Gophers and survived that one as well. Indiana is still as complete a football team as they come, with its defense being its biggest strength. So far this season, they have allowed only 12 points per game. On the other side of the football, the offense is loaded with weapons, from Josh Hoover at quarterback and Turbo Richard at running back to one of the best receiving tandems in the country in Nick Marsh and Charlie Becker. This is a dangerous group that I wouldn’t want to see come playoff time because they can flip that switch, get on a run, and play their best football when it matters most. This is as wide open as it has ever been in our sport. The Hoosiers return home on Saturday for a big conference tilt with Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans.
USC X-Factor: Trent Mosley
This Trojans offense has some weapons, and Trent is one of them. He’s a speedster who can create downfield and has the ability to stretch the field vertically with his speed. In the upset victory over Ohio State, Trent showed that he can make game-changing plays and even recorded a 69-yard touchdown in that game. He can create mismatches all over the field because he lines up in different spots, which works in their favor. If Indiana has to account for him deep, it will open up the field underneath and create opportunities for the running game. One big play from Trent can give this entire team a spark. I’m not saying he needs to score a touchdown every time he touches the ball, but he needs to consistently be the playmaker we know he can be.
Indiana X-Factor: Turbo Richard
He is just as important to this offense as Josh Hoover, Nick Marsh, and Charlie Becker are. Most importantly, Turbo provides balance and can help control the clock with the running game. He is a physical runner who can wear down a defense if he’s constantly being fed the ball. Not only is Turbo a power runner, but he’s also an explosive threat who can make defenders miss, work his way into the second and third levels of the defense, and use his breakaway speed to get into open space. Turbo is also a versatile threat, as he can return kicks on special teams and catch the football on screen passes to impact the passing game. I can’t wait to see how Indiana will attempt to unlock his potential and use him to his fullest on Saturday.
Final Thoughts:
We are now in the home stretch of the season, where many of these games become so important for résumés and playoff positioning, and this is another one of those big games. USC already has one big win against the Ohio State Buckeyes and would love another against the defending national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers. I’m finally getting the chance to watch Jayden Maiava play, and I feel he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the nation who doesn’t get talked about enough. Josh Hoover has also held his own as the Hoosiers’ quarterback. USC must be disciplined in this game against one of the best defenses in the country. First, they must challenge the Indiana secondary through the passing game by stretching the field vertically, using play-action to attack the intermediate areas, and getting the ball out quickly to neutralize the Hoosiers’ pass rush. Can the Trojans generate pressure without having to blitz? That will be key to slowing down Indiana’s passing attack. Indiana, on the other side, must apply pressure on Maiava. They need to get home with four, force him into difficult situations, and disrupt his timing. They must also establish the run early, win the time-of-possession battle, and shut down USC on early downs. Stopping the run early and making this offense predictable will be critical. Bloomington should be alive and rocking for this one!
