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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. USC Trojans 2018

By Mike Regalado

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks up for the ball during warm ups before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Head coach Clay Helton of the USC Trojans looks up for the ball during warm ups before the game against the Washington State Cougars at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 21, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

USC Offense

USC put its offense in the hands of a player that should be a high school senior right now. JT Daniels was supposed to be the savior of this team after Darnold, but that has not manifested the way most USC fans had hoped. Daniels has been good for 1,986 yards on the season for 220.7 yards per game on a 57.1 completion percentage and has thrown 11 touchdowns, but that has nearly been matched by his 8 interceptions.

His numbers could be higher, but USC’s offensive line has not lived up to the standards that their previous O-lines have. The Trojans have allowed 24 sacks this season, and last week against Cal, they allowed 4, contributing to 10 tackles for a loss. On top of that, USC’s center Toa Lobendahn has had mechanical issues leading to problems snapping the ball. When USC is on, they are on, but once the mistakes begin, the floodgates open.

light. Related Story. UCLA Football - Play call/outcome analysis from the Arizona State game

Aside from their problems, USC has several players that can make a big difference in this contest. In the passing game, the Trojans have shared the love, specifically between three receivers. Michael Pittman, Jr., Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Tyler Vaughs have 561, 558, and 535 receiving yards, respectively. Pittman has not been targetted as much as the other two, but he is second on the team in average yards per catch (20.8) and touchdowns (6).

St. Brown is a true freshman that looks to have a bright future with the Trojans as he is quite the athletic specimen that will give the UCLA DBs trouble. He has great hands and good speed, but USC has not been able to get the ball to him enough to make a bigger impact. Vaughns is a talented veteran, but the stalled offense has not been able to help him flourish this season.

2018 USC Offensive Stats

Total – 369.9 | Rushing – 139.6 | Passing – 230.3 | Scoring – 26.9

If USC goes to the ground, they have two main options to help them get down the field. Their primary weapon is Aca’Cedric Ware leads the team in rushing yards with 749 and averages 73.0 per game. When he is not running the ball, Vavae Malepeai will be helping out. Both average over 5.4 yards per attempt and have combined for 13 touchdowns. Both are smart backs that can find the hole in the line and can pull off long runs. What is also notable is that both have been injured recently and are “probable” for the game.

UCLA’s run defense has improved from last year and has been very aggressive in getting to the backfield. If the Bruins’ pass rush is on top of its game, they will be able to get at and rattle the cage of the freshman, Daniels. If they can’t USC, has the weapons to march over the Bruins’ defense. This is where UCLA has to limit mistakes, especially with missed tackles.