The Week 4 matchup between USC and Oregon State Saturday at the Coliseum is poised to be a high-scoring game. USC enters revitalized after its inspired 45-14 victory against Washington State. Oregon State looks to build on the momentum gained in a dominating 42-0 win against Idaho. Saturday will be Troy’s first home game since Donte Williams took over as head coach, and it will be the Beavers’ first conference game.
The Beavers lead the Pac-12 in total yards per game at 453 and are third in points per game at 36. The Trojans rank fifth in yards allowed per game at 343.3 and sixth in points allowed per game at 21.
USC ranks fifth in total yards per game at 423.7 and fourth in points per game at 34.3. Oregon State ranks sixth in yards allowed per game at 349 but fourth in points allowed per game at 19.
The three keys to victory for the Trojans point to the line of scrimmage.
Pressure Chance Nolan
Oregon State’s No. 1 offense is a direct result of great pass-protection by the offensive line. Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chance Nolan has enjoyed a clean pocket up to this point, having only been sacked three times in three games leading to his 70% completion percentage which ranks third in the Pac-12. To disrupt the Beavers’ offense, the Trojans must collapse the pocket in approximately three seconds, hit Nolan at least five times and sack him a minimum of three. This will disjoint the Beavers’ offense and decrease Nolan’s efficiency by creating three-and-out drives. Junior linebacker Drake Jackson, a projected top-10 draft prospect, must lead this charge.
Effectively run the ball
The Trojans are bottom three in rushing yards per game at 131, while the Beavers rank second in rush defense, only allowing 94.7 rushing yards per game. USC’s weakness is the Beavers’ strength. USC needs to match or slightly exceed its rushing average and rush for between 131 and 150 yards on at least five yards per carry. For this to happen, the O-line must have its best game of the season by forcing movement at the line of scrimmage, especially in short-yardage situations on third and fourth downs.
Protect Kedon Slovis
Junior starting quarterback Kedon Slovis was knocked out of the Washington State game in the first quarter with a neck injury. True freshman Jaxson Dart replaced Slovis, leading the team to victory but suffering a knee injury in the process. Dart reportedly had minor knee surgery this week and will be out for an extended period of time. This leaves a banged-up Slovis leading the team on Saturday. Given the QB’s health concerns and lack of depth at the position, the Trojans’ O-line must create a Beaver-like pocket for Slovis by only allowing one sack and a maximum of three quarterback hits. This will keep Slovis comfortable enough to stay in the game and capitalize on the Trojans’ athletic mismatches at receiver.
Dominating these keys to victory will unlock the win on Saturday for the Trojans in front of a home crowd ready to explode.
Correction on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 12:59 p.m.: A previous version of this article stated that Oregon State has the Pac-12′s No. 11 offense in yards per game instead of the No. 1 offense. The article has been updated accordingly.