Quote:
Originally Posted by Tresselbeliever
I am concerned about those two for the same reason. We all know that SC could get steady production from their bigger and slower WRs. But these two brings field stretching abilities that SC lacked last season, and certainly weren't shy to display them. I get the since that OSU's defense will be too physical for SC's backs to pick up decent chucks of yards, so they'll have to rely on guys like Rojo to maybe get open on a playaction. |
I think both teams will get their chunk of passing yardage, but when we refer to WR production, were all presumably referencing consistent WR play that results in scores. Rojo and Damian Williams seem to add a dimension to the passing game USC didnt have last year, but this is based on ONE game against a bad opponent. The talent is there but I still feel uncomfortable simply saying "Yeah, these two unproven yet talented receivers are going to carry the passing game on their shoulders vs.
OSU."
Catching balls is DAMN different when you have guys like Malcolm Jenkins draped all over you and Laurinitis and Freeman screeching accross the middle waiting to decapitate you. Same goes for
OSU's receivers. The type of coverage they saw against YState and Ohio will be a far cry from what they are against with the likes of Cary Harris or Taylor Mays.
As I said before, I think the passing game will come down to two thinks: Physicality and mental preparation. Both receiving corps need to come out and impose THEIR will on the opposing secondary early. If either teams WRs come out and cant shake the coverage on the first few drives, this could be very, very problematic for USC or
OSU. When defensive coordinators see a quarterback struggling to find receivers downfield, they lick their chops and start packing the box.
As a USC fan, this is why I am damned glad you dont have a guy like Anthony Gonzalez anymore. No offense to Robo or Hartline or Small, but Gonzalez was always open and was just devastating on mid yardage plays.
