Preseason Top 25 Rundown: #22 USC Trojans
Matt Barkley will lead a potent Trojans offense in 2011. Photo by: Neon Tommy
By Sportsgrinder
Coaching Staff
- Head Coach: Lane Kiffin
- O-Coordinator: Lane Kiffin
- D-Coordinator: Monte Kiffin
Game Changers
- Offensive: Roberts Woods (WR- Sophomore)
- Defensive: T.J. McDonald (FS- Junior)
The USC offense was extremely productive under first year head coach Lane Kiffin last season. The Trojans scored 30 or more points five times (2-3), 40 or more points two times (2-0), and 50 or more points one time (1-0) last season, all while averaging more than 400 total yards. Junior quarterback Matt Barkley, who has started for the Trojans since his freshman campaign, will look to improve upon his sophomore campaign which saw him throw for 2,691 yards and 26 TDs. Barkley has a chance to establish himself as one of the premier signal callers in college football this season.
Although the Trojans lost key players at the wide receiver position, most notably speedster Ronald Johnson (NFL Draft), the future appears bright with the return of sophomore standout Robert Woods. Woods is a polished route runner who will most certainly become Barkley’s go to guy this season. At times last season, Woods dominated his competition within the Pac 10 conference. Never was this more evident than Woods eye popping performance against the Stanford Cardinal last October. In that game, Woods caught 12 passes for 224 yards and 3 TDs. Look for Woods to terrorize opposing defensive backfields once again this season.
Junior T.J. McDonald is one of the premier safeties in the nation this season. Photo by: Neon Tommy
The Trojans defense is coming off one of their most disappointing efforts in recent memory. Defensive guru Monte Kiffin wasn’t able to get his players to produce in his complex schemes last season (Tampa 2 defense). The Trojans surrendered over 400 yards of total offense, as well as 26 points per game to their opposition last year. Junior defensive end Nick Perry will look to improve upon a porous defensive unit. Perry is an excellent edge rusher who should be a difference maker this season for the Trojans defense. Junior free safety T.J. McDonald enters this season as an All American candidate in the secondary. McDonald led the Trojans defense last season with 89 tackles (54 solo) and 3 INTs. McDonald had 5 games last season with at least 10 tackles or more.
USC Trojans 2011 Schedule
Sept 3 vs. Minnesota
Sept 10 vs. Utah
Sept 17 vs. Syracuse
Sept 24 @ Arizona St.
Oct 1 vs. Arizona
Oct 13 @ California
Oct 22 @ Notre Dame
Oct 29 vs. Stanford
Nov 4 @ Colorado
Nov 12 vs. Washington
Nov 19 @ Oregon
Nov 26 vs. UCLA
Copyright © sports-glutton.com, 2010-2011. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from sports-glutton.com is strictly prohibited.
