College Football Roundup Week 5: USC Beats Cal
USC Defeated Pac-10 rivals Cal in the Fifth Weekend of Football
Oct 6, 2009 Sebastian Egerton-Read
USC secured a vital victory on Saturday night against a struggling Cal line-up. A road game against one of the early Pac-10 favourites could have presented a tricky challenge, as the Trojans try and fire themselves back into contention, but Cal quarterback Kevin Riley and his offensive line struggled badly as they slumped to a 30-3 defeat. The Bears game started badly after a promising opening drive was stopped short by a Taylor Mays interception in the end zone. Jahvid Best was unable to make an impact in the game as USC consistently flooded the line with 8 or more bodies. On the other end of the ball Matt Barkley and USC struggled to convert from 1st and Goal situations, but Joe McKnight ran for 119 yards and the team’s two offensive touchdowns in a comfortable victory.
Jacory Harris threw two interceptions on his opening two drives against Oklahoma, but the Sooners still only managed a 10-0 lead after a 96-yard drive gained them just 3 points. Harris threw three touchdowns and Javarris James ran for 150 yards as the Miami Florida offense found its way to inflict a serious defeat to a #8 ranked Oklahoma still without reigning Heismann trophy winner Sam Bradford.
Key Question: Can USC remain unbeaten through their remaining schedule?
Realistically Pete Carroll needs his Trojans to remain unbeaten through the rest of the season if they are to have any chance of making the Rose Bowl or even possibly sneaking into the BCS game. Four of their remaining games are at home against Oregon State, Stanford, Arizona and UCLA. The three road games are all tough as they face Notre Dame, Oregon and Arizona State. USC’s biggest concern will be the inability to score touchdowns from within ten yards, especially now they are without the services of running back Stephane Johnson. It’s hard to see that inefficiency going completely unpunished through the final seven games, the key game is clearly at Oregon on October 31st, a tough test for a very good Trojan if Masoli and the Ducks offense continue to fire.
Week 5 Roundup
Tate Forcier had a pass intercepted in the end zone as Michigan State upset rivals Michigan 26-20 in overtime to end the Spartans unbeaten start. A 37 yard field goal with 6 seconds on the clock ensured that Washington State forced overtime against Notre Dame, but the Fighting Irish were able to score and then break up a fourth down pass to secure a dramatic 37-30 overtime victory.
Mississippi bounced back from defeat last weekend with a 23-7 win over Vanderbilt but they will be concerned that Jevan Snead threw 3 interceptions along with his 3 touchdowns. LSU led Georgia 6-0 entering the final quarter of their tight encounter, but an exciting fourth quarter finally saw Charles Scott seal victory on a 33 yard touchdown run only 46 seconds from the final whistle.
Alabama, Boise State, TCU, Iowa and Cincinnati all won to remain unbeaten at the start of the season; Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State also secured wins as they try and climb back up the standings. Josh Nesbitt threw for a career high 266 yards in a wild 42-31 win over Mississippi State that included 6 fourth down conversions, an 89-yard kickoff return for the Bulldogs and a 40-yard fumble return for Tech. Max Hall threw three touchdowns as BYU defeated #17 Utah State, Case Keenum had a career night throwing for 536 yards and 5 touchdowns but #12 Houston still suffered a major 58-41 upset at the hands of UTEP. #7 Virginia Tech only just about held off Duke 34-26 to avoid an upset themselves on Saturday.
Outside of the top 25, Stanford defeated UCLA 24-16 to remain unbeaten and atop the Pac-10 conference, meanwhile Boston College continued their good season by piling more woe upon Florida State with a 28-21 victory. Auburn and South Florida both climb into the top 25 as they continued their unbeaten starts with victories.
Week 6 Preview
Game to Watch
Florida (1) vs LSU (4)
Florida have yet to be truly tested while LSU has quietly put together a very solid season. If the Tigers could upset the Gators then it really could prove to be LSU’s year. The concern for Florida will be the health of Tim Tebow as he recovers from a concussion, even without Tebow this is a Florida team to be reckoned with but LSU’s stingy defense will be a tough test for any backup quarterback. Don’t be surprised if there is an upset.
Alabama face Mississippi in what could be an interesting clash depending on the performance of the struggling Jevan Snead; Snead will need to make less mistakes against a very strong Alabama team. Stanford play against Oregon State in a matchup that will have implications on the Pac-10 title chase, while Georgia and Tennessee will both be looking to end their poor runs of form in a key fixture.
Upset Pick
Michigan over #12 Iowa
Iowa have been flawless so far this season as they’ve deservedly risen to their #12 ranking, but this is not a flawless Iowa team, Tate Forcier and the Spartans are a very useful outfit and they will be fired up after the disappointment of their defeat at the hands of Michigan State. Another possible upset is in the ACC where Boston College take on Virginia Tech, the Hokies have been inconsistent this season and the Eagles have been putting together a very respectable season.
Taylor Mays- USC Safety
|
What do you think about this article?
Latest Articles