LINK
USC TROJANS
2014 Record: 9-4
F/+ Rank: 16
Wins: Fresno State, Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, California, Notre Dame, Nebraska
Losses: Boston College, Arizona State, Utah, UCLA
~~~
Season Recap
USC easily pasted Fresno in the opener and slipped past Stanford by 3 points with a 53-yard Andre Heidari field goal, despite being out-gained by 122 yards. They led BC 10-0 on the road but would allow 452 rushing yards on the night and fall 37-31.
Oregon State was dispatched easily but USC followed that up with a crushing Hail Mary loss to Arizona State at home. They nearly coughed up a 15-point lead in the 4th quarter against Arizona the next week. The Wildcats missed a game-tying 2-point conversion late, but uncovered an onside kick only to miss a game-winning 36-yard field goal.
Colorado was no match and USC dropped a road game at Utah in the last seconds. At 5-3 overall things didn't look great but the Trojans finished strong going 4-1 down the stretch with wins over Notre Dame and Nebraska to close out the season. UCLA won over USC for the 3rd straight season which sticks in their craw.
Series: 45-36-5 Notre Dame
Get ready for the 87th meeting between these rivals. Four out of the last 5 games in the series have featured both teams unranked in the AP Poll. This will be Southern California's 40th game played inside Notre Dame Stadium.
Coach Resume: Steve Sarkisian (9-4, 2nd Year, 43-33 Overall)
"Seven Win Steve" no more? After going 7-6 over 3 straight seasons as the head coach at Washington, Sarkisian picked up an 8th win in 2013 and was hired by USC before posting 9 wins last fall. Will a 10-win season be next?
Returning Starters: 14 Total (7 Offense, 7 Defense)
A nice core of players return, sanctions are over, and great recruiting adds depth to a team that is projected to begin inside the Top 10 and compete for a conference and/or national title.
Linemen Situation: Very Good
Every linemen who started on offense last year will return for 2015. Redshirt junior Chad Wheeler started the first 8 games at left tackle but tore his ACL against Utah. He missed the spring while in rehab. Rising sophomore Toa Lobendahn started the first 8 games at left guard then moved over to left tackle to finish the season. Redshirt sophomore Khaliel Rogers started 3 games at left guard, while sophomore Damien Mama started the final 2 games at left guard, as well as the first 2 games of the season at right guard.
Senior Max Tuerk started at every game at center and is back. Rising sophomore Viane Talamaivao started the last 11 games at right guard, and redshirt junior Zach Banner started every game at right tackle and returns. Lots of options for a unit that could be one of the best in the nation if it improves and meets its potential.
J.R. Tavai (53 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 7 sacks) is lost at the Rush end position, although redshirt junior Scott Felix (36 tackles, 5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) made 9 starts overall and 3 at Rush as Tavai's backup. Leonard Williams (80 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 6th overall to the Jets) is a major loss at strong-side defense end.
Elsewhere, the depth is being built after some lean sanction years. Fifth-year senior Greg Townsend made a couple starts and returns. Nose tackle and 5th-year senior Antwaun Woods returns but tore his pectoral muscle during bowl prep and missed spring ball. Yet another 5th-year senior Delvon Simmons made 11 starts on the interior and returns, as does senior JUCO transfer Claude Pelon who made 3 starts in 2015. Cody Temple (another 5th-year senior) offered depth at the nose and comes back too.
There are several highly touted players ready to make an impact. Redshirt sophomore Kenny Bigelow (.994) missed all of 2014 with an injury and should be ready this fall. Also added to the mix is a sensational freshmen class including Osa Masina (.984 Composite), Porter Gustin (.981), Rasheem Green (.989), and Jacob Daniel (.964).
Returning Quarterback: Yes
Cody Kessler returns for his 5th-year and in my mind is among the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. He's seemingly been stuck in the average category by many but USC has suffered more from defensive lapses in losses more than anything over the past couple seasons.
Since the beginning of 2013, Kessler has totaled 551 completions on 814 attempts (67.6%) for 6,793 yards with 59 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Honestly, those are Heisman level numbers if USC is more of a winning program. There's a reason Phil Steele named him a 1st-team pre-season All-American, which I guess doesn't really make him all that underrated anymore.
Biggest Problem for 2015: Finding a Bell-Cow Running Back
Javorius "Buck" Allen decided not to come back for his 5th season and was picked 125th overall by the Ravens after a strong 1,489 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for 458 yards. Junior Justin Davis moves up to the top spot after 595 yards last year but the depth after him is highly questionable.
Fifth-year senior Tre Madden (703 yards in 2013) missed all of 2014 with a toe injury and still was not taking contact in the spring. After him a trio of freshmen running backs will all get a hard look at playing time, including Ronald Jones (.982), Dominic Davis (.886), and Aca'Cedric Ware (.871).
It's not as important of a position, however, the tight ends are probably the scariest unit for USC heading into the summer. Randall Telfer (21 receptions, 197 yards, 2 TD, 198th overall to the Browns) is gone and Bryce Dixon (14 receptions, 198 yards, 4 TD) is no longer enrolled and left school this spring. Redshirt junior Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick offers promise but missed all of 2014 due to academics and hadn't picked things up all that well this spring.
Former Irish recruiting target Taylor McNamara will add much needed depth after using a graduate transfer after a lackluster career at Oklahoma. USC was using redshirt sophomore walk-on Connor Spears as the first-team tight end during spring practice.
Biggest Strength for 2015: Offensive Line
This positional unit just has to be the rock for the offense and team in 2015. There are 4 and 5-star prospects all over the place, a lot of players with experience, and enough depth to mold this into something great.
They had their ups and downs last year, especially against Boston College (20 rushing yards) and UCLA (62 rushing yards), and need to do better than giving up 32 sacks. But they were young and should get much, much better.
4 Players to Remember
WR JuJu Smith, So.- First-team freshman All-American with a ridiculous combination of size (6-2, 215) and speed. Finished second on the team last year with 54 receptions, 724 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
LB Su'a Cravens, Jr.- Picked up first-team All-Pac 12 and some national All-American honors. Started every game in 2014, moving from safety to a rover-like strong-side linebacker spot after 3 games and finished with 68 tackles, 17 TFL, 5 sacks, and 9 pass break-ups.
LB Lamar Dawson, 5th Sr.- Started 16 games up to mid-2013 before a knee injury forced him to miss the end of that season and all of 2014. He's coming back and could be an excellent replacement for Hayes Pullard at middle linebacker.
CB Adoree Jackson, So.- First-team freshman All-American with plenty of other honors including Pac-12 freshman defender of the year. Broke up 9 passes at corner last year and also played receiver with 10 receptions and 3 touchdowns. Totaled 684 yards with 2 touchdowns on kick returns.
Special Teams: 2/4
The aforementioned Jackson is back as kick returner and will likely take over the punt return duties from Nelson Agholor who scored 4 touchdowns there in his career.
Kris Albarado returns at punter but Andre Heidari leaves a big hole at kicker after being a 4-year starter.
USC TROJANS
2014 Record: 9-4
F/+ Rank: 16
Wins: Fresno State, Stanford, Oregon State, Arizona, Colorado, Washington State, California, Notre Dame, Nebraska
Losses: Boston College, Arizona State, Utah, UCLA
~~~
Season Recap
USC easily pasted Fresno in the opener and slipped past Stanford by 3 points with a 53-yard Andre Heidari field goal, despite being out-gained by 122 yards. They led BC 10-0 on the road but would allow 452 rushing yards on the night and fall 37-31.
Oregon State was dispatched easily but USC followed that up with a crushing Hail Mary loss to Arizona State at home. They nearly coughed up a 15-point lead in the 4th quarter against Arizona the next week. The Wildcats missed a game-tying 2-point conversion late, but uncovered an onside kick only to miss a game-winning 36-yard field goal.
Colorado was no match and USC dropped a road game at Utah in the last seconds. At 5-3 overall things didn't look great but the Trojans finished strong going 4-1 down the stretch with wins over Notre Dame and Nebraska to close out the season. UCLA won over USC for the 3rd straight season which sticks in their craw.
Series: 45-36-5 Notre Dame
Get ready for the 87th meeting between these rivals. Four out of the last 5 games in the series have featured both teams unranked in the AP Poll. This will be Southern California's 40th game played inside Notre Dame Stadium.
Coach Resume: Steve Sarkisian (9-4, 2nd Year, 43-33 Overall)
"Seven Win Steve" no more? After going 7-6 over 3 straight seasons as the head coach at Washington, Sarkisian picked up an 8th win in 2013 and was hired by USC before posting 9 wins last fall. Will a 10-win season be next?
Returning Starters: 14 Total (7 Offense, 7 Defense)
A nice core of players return, sanctions are over, and great recruiting adds depth to a team that is projected to begin inside the Top 10 and compete for a conference and/or national title.
Linemen Situation: Very Good
Every linemen who started on offense last year will return for 2015. Redshirt junior Chad Wheeler started the first 8 games at left tackle but tore his ACL against Utah. He missed the spring while in rehab. Rising sophomore Toa Lobendahn started the first 8 games at left guard then moved over to left tackle to finish the season. Redshirt sophomore Khaliel Rogers started 3 games at left guard, while sophomore Damien Mama started the final 2 games at left guard, as well as the first 2 games of the season at right guard.
Senior Max Tuerk started at every game at center and is back. Rising sophomore Viane Talamaivao started the last 11 games at right guard, and redshirt junior Zach Banner started every game at right tackle and returns. Lots of options for a unit that could be one of the best in the nation if it improves and meets its potential.
J.R. Tavai (53 tackles, 13.5 TFL, 7 sacks) is lost at the Rush end position, although redshirt junior Scott Felix (36 tackles, 5 TFL, 1.5 sacks) made 9 starts overall and 3 at Rush as Tavai's backup. Leonard Williams (80 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 7 sacks, 6th overall to the Jets) is a major loss at strong-side defense end.
Elsewhere, the depth is being built after some lean sanction years. Fifth-year senior Greg Townsend made a couple starts and returns. Nose tackle and 5th-year senior Antwaun Woods returns but tore his pectoral muscle during bowl prep and missed spring ball. Yet another 5th-year senior Delvon Simmons made 11 starts on the interior and returns, as does senior JUCO transfer Claude Pelon who made 3 starts in 2015. Cody Temple (another 5th-year senior) offered depth at the nose and comes back too.
There are several highly touted players ready to make an impact. Redshirt sophomore Kenny Bigelow (.994) missed all of 2014 with an injury and should be ready this fall. Also added to the mix is a sensational freshmen class including Osa Masina (.984 Composite), Porter Gustin (.981), Rasheem Green (.989), and Jacob Daniel (.964).
Returning Quarterback: Yes
Cody Kessler returns for his 5th-year and in my mind is among the most underrated quarterbacks in the country. He's seemingly been stuck in the average category by many but USC has suffered more from defensive lapses in losses more than anything over the past couple seasons.
Since the beginning of 2013, Kessler has totaled 551 completions on 814 attempts (67.6%) for 6,793 yards with 59 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Honestly, those are Heisman level numbers if USC is more of a winning program. There's a reason Phil Steele named him a 1st-team pre-season All-American, which I guess doesn't really make him all that underrated anymore.
Biggest Problem for 2015: Finding a Bell-Cow Running Back
Javorius "Buck" Allen decided not to come back for his 5th season and was picked 125th overall by the Ravens after a strong 1,489 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He also caught 41 passes for 458 yards. Junior Justin Davis moves up to the top spot after 595 yards last year but the depth after him is highly questionable.
Fifth-year senior Tre Madden (703 yards in 2013) missed all of 2014 with a toe injury and still was not taking contact in the spring. After him a trio of freshmen running backs will all get a hard look at playing time, including Ronald Jones (.982), Dominic Davis (.886), and Aca'Cedric Ware (.871).
It's not as important of a position, however, the tight ends are probably the scariest unit for USC heading into the summer. Randall Telfer (21 receptions, 197 yards, 2 TD, 198th overall to the Browns) is gone and Bryce Dixon (14 receptions, 198 yards, 4 TD) is no longer enrolled and left school this spring. Redshirt junior Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick offers promise but missed all of 2014 due to academics and hadn't picked things up all that well this spring.
Former Irish recruiting target Taylor McNamara will add much needed depth after using a graduate transfer after a lackluster career at Oklahoma. USC was using redshirt sophomore walk-on Connor Spears as the first-team tight end during spring practice.
Biggest Strength for 2015: Offensive Line
This positional unit just has to be the rock for the offense and team in 2015. There are 4 and 5-star prospects all over the place, a lot of players with experience, and enough depth to mold this into something great.
They had their ups and downs last year, especially against Boston College (20 rushing yards) and UCLA (62 rushing yards), and need to do better than giving up 32 sacks. But they were young and should get much, much better.
4 Players to Remember
WR JuJu Smith, So.- First-team freshman All-American with a ridiculous combination of size (6-2, 215) and speed. Finished second on the team last year with 54 receptions, 724 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
LB Su'a Cravens, Jr.- Picked up first-team All-Pac 12 and some national All-American honors. Started every game in 2014, moving from safety to a rover-like strong-side linebacker spot after 3 games and finished with 68 tackles, 17 TFL, 5 sacks, and 9 pass break-ups.
LB Lamar Dawson, 5th Sr.- Started 16 games up to mid-2013 before a knee injury forced him to miss the end of that season and all of 2014. He's coming back and could be an excellent replacement for Hayes Pullard at middle linebacker.
CB Adoree Jackson, So.- First-team freshman All-American with plenty of other honors including Pac-12 freshman defender of the year. Broke up 9 passes at corner last year and also played receiver with 10 receptions and 3 touchdowns. Totaled 684 yards with 2 touchdowns on kick returns.
Special Teams: 2/4
The aforementioned Jackson is back as kick returner and will likely take over the punt return duties from Nelson Agholor who scored 4 touchdowns there in his career.
Kris Albarado returns at punter but Andre Heidari leaves a big hole at kicker after being a 4-year starter.
