Right after the Ohio State game I knew something was wrong. I convinced myself that Ohio State was “just that good” and we were on their home field, coupled with a “bad night.” But after the Washington game (which i was at) and the Wazu game, it is obvious that these trojans are just missing something. Are we as Trojan fans “spoiled?” Eh, you bet we are. So what about it? Last year’s performance, and especially 3 year’s ago or further, performance, has nothing to do with this year. Regardless of the success of the past 8 years, we have the talent to be successful this year as well.

What is missing? In my opinion it is the offensive play calling. During the Washington game i was incredibly angry at the play calling. I mean, we could have rushed the ball on UW EVERY play. It seemed as though we were gaining 10 yards a carry. Instead of changing the game plan and going with what was working, ie rushing the ball, the play calling had us go with the pre-determined script. Sometimes you gotta go with what’s working. During the UW game, that was RUSHING the ball. We became incredibly obvious, and the UW defense which is lacking mightly on talent, stopped us cold in our track for most of the game.

We need that playcalling which:

1) goes with WHAT WORKS
2) is surprising and not stale.
3) puts to use our big advantage (offensive line, running backs)

Also, why do we continue to use the same backs when other backs seem like they have more potential? Allen Bradford and Marc Tyler in my opinion should be used much much more than they are. They are big powerful backs who wear out a defense.

Our receiving core is really underperforming. Unfortunately, dropping balls seems to be a mental issue, and mental issues seem to have a way of infecting others like a virus.

The defense, although looks great on paper, is also not as dominant as last year. Instead of the best defense i’ve ever seen, we have a bend but don’t break D this year. I don’t know if it will be enough.

This year seems to be turning out to be a rebuilding year. Luckily, it is still early in the season and we have a chance to turn things around. Next week will be a huge test. We will see.

After the first quarter, this was a hard game to watch. If not for being confined in the coliseum, channel surfing would have been an inviting option. The Trojans exposed a team that is either struggling in transition, with a young quarterback and several new coaches, or worse, a team in a big mess. Matt Barkley was certainly a highlight, but PC’s lament said it all—SC will struggle against, tougher more quality opponents. Thank goodness, after other Pac Ten results, ‘quality opponents’ may be more like ‘equality opponents’. The Rose Bowl is up for grabs with no team stepping up to make a dominate statement.

Coaching: There is a severe lack of chemistry with this team that previous teams did not experience, even with coaching changes. Excessive penalties, fumbles, dropped passes, shanked field goal attempts etc., scream of confusion and no-confidence. And confidence begins with coaching. Opening the play book against WSU certainly helped, but many issues still abound. Coaches…..its your team to make or break.

Confidence: And speaking of confidence…Aaron Corp, unfortunately, looks done. I was one of his biggest cheerleaders, but he looked, almost scared to go in. And this was clean-up time. My god, he looked nervous practicing center snaps, And the results…….sad! Mustain or even G. Green would now be a better back up. I do stick to my previous arguments that PC’s handling of the QB-situation the past two weeks contributed to Corp’s demise, and he responded by crumbling. Now, It will be near impossible for him to contribute.

Fight On