I had some time to think about last night's game. It has been said before ... but last year's team folds down 28-6. Love the fight in this year's team. More to the point though, I was looking at the reason we came back. Early on, it was apparent that USC had a scheme that was taking away the read-option / running game. They kept Tate bottled up. Sure the announcers were saying that Tate should be throwing deep with the safeties sucked up into a 9 man box. Partly it was because USC could play plan man confidently and bring the pressure. Our receivers couldn't get separation, but I think the main problem was that Tate was having trouble with his deep throws. I really don't remember a deep pass connecting which led to his 14 of 31 completions overall. Many were overthrown, out of bounds, or too much air.
1st half
5 of 12 37yards 19 yards rushing
9 of 19 109 yards 2TD 2INT 142 yards rushing 1TD
But I really like the adjustments they made. They gave some different looks, fake reverse, adding lead blockers, running counter plays. Keeping Taylor lined up in the pistol. Having Tate take the easier high percentage open receivers as the CBs dropped back.
Watching the play again ... once we got it tied up and gave up the go ahead touchdown, Tate had open guys underneath and on the sidelines when he launched that throw down the muddle for Ellison. Teachable moment. Take the open high percentage play to keep the chains moving rather than go for the low percentage spectacular play. Had Taylor open on the post and #7 just waiting there with the CB 4 yards off on the sideline. Wonder how much playing in SoCal had to do with judgement and desire to go deep.
On D, we're undersized and gave up some yards, but we did tighten up and got some key stops in the comeback. They changed some things to get back in it. Credit USC for making the counter as we brought more pressure. We're just susceptible to the power running game and USC has some stud backs. RoJo should get more national pub. We are a work in progress, but we're getting better. We have more 3 and outs than all of last year.
How about Havrisik?? I like having a reliable FG kicker from deep. 43 and 45 with a 57 yarder last week. That will pay dividends in a tight game later.
1st half
5 of 12 37yards 19 yards rushing
9 of 19 109 yards 2TD 2INT 142 yards rushing 1TD
But I really like the adjustments they made. They gave some different looks, fake reverse, adding lead blockers, running counter plays. Keeping Taylor lined up in the pistol. Having Tate take the easier high percentage open receivers as the CBs dropped back.
Watching the play again ... once we got it tied up and gave up the go ahead touchdown, Tate had open guys underneath and on the sidelines when he launched that throw down the muddle for Ellison. Teachable moment. Take the open high percentage play to keep the chains moving rather than go for the low percentage spectacular play. Had Taylor open on the post and #7 just waiting there with the CB 4 yards off on the sideline. Wonder how much playing in SoCal had to do with judgement and desire to go deep.
On D, we're undersized and gave up some yards, but we did tighten up and got some key stops in the comeback. They changed some things to get back in it. Credit USC for making the counter as we brought more pressure. We're just susceptible to the power running game and USC has some stud backs. RoJo should get more national pub. We are a work in progress, but we're getting better. We have more 3 and outs than all of last year.
How about Havrisik?? I like having a reliable FG kicker from deep. 43 and 45 with a 57 yarder last week. That will pay dividends in a tight game later.
