Lower than two minutes remained on the clock — a snug, four-touchdown win over Fresno State way back secured — however as USC lined up for one last stand with its again in opposition to the tip zone final Saturday, nobody appeared to have instructed its protection.
As a substitute of coasting to the end line, USC mounted certainly one of its strongest defensive stands of the season, stopping three straight rushes contained in the two-yard-line to drive a turnover on downs. Afterward, Trojans coach Lincoln Riley referred to as it his favourite sequence of the sport.
“That’s what we’re about,” Riley stated. “Irrespective of who thinks the sport is over, all of it issues to us. When you’re going to be a champion, it’s gotta all matter. For our guys to get that cease proper there on the finish to shut the sport was as significant as something that occurred tonight.”
An analogous effort close to the purpose line might show particularly significant Saturday, when USC meets Oregon State in Corvallis for an important early Pac-12 tilt. The Beavers have scored on all 14 red-zone journeys this season. Solely 4 faculties (Michigan, Clemson, Vanderbilt and Tennessee) have extra red-zone conversions, whereas nonetheless boasting an ideal conversion fee.
On account of their protection’s struggles between the 20s, the Trojans have already got weathered 13 journeys into the purple zone. However whereas opposing offenses have had no hassle getting there, USC’s effort contained in the 20s has stored them from conducting a lot after they do.
Simply seven of these 13 journeys (54%) have resulted in factors, a fee that units USC aside as one of many prime red-zone defenses in faculty soccer via three video games. No different protection that’s confronted double-digit red-zone journeys has held opponents to something decrease than a 60% success fee.
That most likely isn’t sustainable, particularly in opposition to an offense equivalent to Oregon State‘s, which boasts one of many higher dashing assaults within the convention.
“It’s simply battling, not giving in, having the notice about you to make them run one other play,” USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch stated. “There’s no magic. You generally want there was, however give our guys credit score, we’ve held up in conditions thus far. However they’re a bit of completely different animal within the purple zone this week.”
It begins with Oregon State’s dashing assault. The Beavers lead the Pac-12 — and rank eighth within the nation — with 11 dashing touchdowns via three video games. The specter of the run units up the right play-action situation for quarterback Likelihood Nolan, who threw 4 touchdowns in opposition to USC in a dominant win for Oregon State final season.
“They’ve been environment friendly however we now have too,” Riley stated in regards to the purple zone. “We’ve been stingy in opposition to the run down there. We’ve defended nicely. We’ve gotten turnovers. We’ve gotten fourth-down stops. Each groups have accomplished the issues you should do nicely, and it’s going to be energy versus energy. There will likely be some moments like that on this soccer recreation, they usually’ll be pivotal moments.”
Oregon State received’t be capable to flip to tight finish Luke Musgrave in these moments. The Beavers prime receiver via two video games will miss the sport due to an harm.
However Oregon State is more likely to as soon as once more use linebacker Jack Colletto in short-yardage conditions across the purpose line. Colletto already has three touchdowns this season in six carries.
The perfect weapon in opposition to Oregon State’s red-zone offense could be to maintain them out of the purple zone. However that half has been the issue for USC’s protection this season.
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