Conquest Chronicles - Las Vegas Bowl: USC Football Kicks Off Bowl Seasona USC Trojans Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48551/conquestchronicles_fave.png2013-12-21T16:39:07-08:00http://www.conquestchronicles.com/rss/stream/49869952013-12-21T16:39:07-08:002013-12-21T16:39:07-08:00Trojans Finish Season In Grand Fashion
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<figcaption>Ethan Miller</figcaption>
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<p>The Trojans came out inspired, focused and determined while capturing its 10th victory of the season.</p> <p>Playing for the final time this season in what has been anything but an ordinary season, the No. 25 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> came out with passion, determination and swagger in a 45-20 pounding of No. 21 Fresno State in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.</p>
<p>The Trojans dominated during the first and only game under interim head coach Clay Helton. From the very first offensive drive, which went 65 yards on 12 plays, all the way to the final horn, the Trojans' offense set the tempo from start to finish.</p>
<p>While the offense may have broken more records on the day, USC's defense put on the ultimate display slowing down Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year Derek Carr by limiting him to only 217 yards passing on 54 passing attempts, tying the Las Vegas Bowl all-time record.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck">
<p>Congrats to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23USC&src=hash">#USC</a> Trojans for a strong finish to a wildly emotional season.. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23FightOn&src=hash">#FightOn</a>!</p>
— Matthew Barkley (@MattBarkley) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattBarkley/statuses/414550903321272320">December 22, 2013</a>
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<p><b>-FIRST HALF HEADLINES-</b></p>
<p><b>KESSLER STRONG FIRST HALF</b></p>
<p>In the battle of Bakersfield quarterbacks, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136350/cody-kessler">Cody Kessler</a> came out strong from the very start and finished t<span>he first half going 14-18 passing for 243 yards passing, including four touchdown passes (a season high) split between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161018/nelson-agholor">Nelson Agholor</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> en route to his Las Vegas Bowl MVP performance. </span></p>
<p>The confidence especially came out on third downs where Kessler was solid all afternoon long. It began on the very first third-down conversion where Kessler escaped pressure from up the middle, bought some time with his feet and found the streaking <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113431/darreus-rogers">Darreus Rogers</a> over the middle for a 20 yard pickup.</p>
<p><b>LEE RETURNS TO FORM</b></p>
<p>Marqise Lee returned to the fold as a major contributor on offense, notching two touchdown passes alone in the first half matching his total from the entire season to that point.</p>
<p><span>Lee used his mobility and elusiveness to find holes in the Bulldogs secondary, which allowed over 277 yards passing per game coming into the Las Vegas Bowl, providing Kessler a trustworthy security blanket over the middle.</span></p>
<p><b>CARR SLOWED DOWN</b></p>
<p>Entering the game averaging a Division I best 400-plus yards passing per game, the Bulldogs struggled to find any degree of success in the opening half throwing for only 125 yards on 18 completions. Carr looked great on the opening drive leading his team right down the field for a quick touchdown by leaning on All-Mountain-West performer <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161913/davante-adams">Davante Adams</a>, but it was the only highlight of the first half for Fresno State.</p>
<p><b>-SECOND HALF ATTACK-</b></p>
<p><b>HEIDARI STAYS THE COURSE</b></p>
<p>It may seem nonessential based on the final score, but when <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136368/andre-heidari">Andre Heidari</a> connected from 39 yards out late in the third quarter, the Trojans were granted a major boost of confidence and the final dagger on the Bulldogs' comeback hopes.</p>
<p>This made kick also helps the off-season confidence for Heidari, who finished the regular season 14-of-21 on field goal attempts and certainly needed to right the ship heading into an uncertain offseason for all position groups as special teams coach John Baxter could potentially be heading toward an academic position on staff next season.</p>
<p>Not only was Heidari vocal with his boot, his sideline antics could be seen and heard all throughout Sam Boyd Stadium. Whether he was dancing on the field during commercial breaks or booing on poor penalty calls to the USC section, Heidari remained true to his inner personality from the opening kickoff through the final whistle.</p>
<p><b>BEND BUT DON'T BREAK</b></p>
<p>While Derek Carr continued to return to form, the USC defense did not waver in its full-ditched efforts to limit Fresno State's offensive prowess. The best example came at the end of the third quarter when Josh Shaw intercepted Carr in the end zone (making up for a previous blunder on the drive) keeping the game a 25-pt differential.</p>
<p>The biggest bend may have come following a pick-six from Cody Kessler, delivered to defensive captain and first-team Mountain West selection <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116710/derron-smith">Derron Smith</a>. A punt on USC's subsequent drive gave Fresno State the football at USC's 48-yard-line trailing by 18 points, which was no comfortable lead given <a href="http://www.cougcenter.com/2013/12/21/5234022/new-mexico-bowl-2013-recap-wsu-vs-colorado-state-ouch">Washington State's debacle</a> earlier in the day.</p>
<p>On the drive, the Trojans stuffed a run and limited Carr to simple screen passes to the outside forcing a Fresno State punt. These are the type of performances from Clancy Pendergast's defense that make you excited for what's to come moving forward when scholarship numbers give USC more ability to recruit depth in the program.</p>
<p><b>MORE MARQISE</b></p>
<p>The fourth quarter began with some visible frustration from the Trojans star-studded receiver when Kessler looked past Lee and dumped the ball down for what led to a punt. Lee wanted to put the Bulldogs away for good but certainly got his redeeming moment in a 12-play, 80-yard drive that not only killed clock but also showcased his best ability.</p>
<p>Lee took a quick strike from Kessler and dashed down the sideline for 36 yards, putting him over 100 yards for the 15th, and probably final, time in his career. This reception helped propel the Trojans' 45-point effort and also boosted the numbers for Las Vegas Bowl MVP Cody Kessler, who set personal records with 344 yards passing and four passing touchdowns.</p>
<p><b>FINAL NOTE</b></p>
<p>The USC Trojans played their final game for the seniors on this roster including <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78138/abe-markowitz">Abe Markowitz</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78141/kevin-graf">Kevin Graf</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78133/devon-kennard">Devon Kennard</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114111/silas-redd">Silas Redd</a> and De'Von Flourney among many others on this team. Helton said after the game that "we did it in Trojan style," referring to the wire-to-wire victory over Fresno State to end the year with 10 wins.</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5233880/usc-dominates-las-vegas-bowl-from-start-to-finishEvan Budrovich2013-12-21T12:14:40-08:002013-12-21T12:14:40-08:00Is the USC Offensive Line Ready for Vegas?
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>With two of the Trojan's starting lineman out for the Bowl game today due to injuries, the Trojan offensive line will have to step up its performance from the UCLA game and hope to avoid any more injuries. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">The last time USC fans got to watch the Trojan offense in a 35-14 loss to UCLA three weeks ago, the group looked noticeably worse than it had all season. The team averaged about 28 points on the year but mustered half of that against the Bruin defense and recorded 314 total yards, about 20% less than the 392 averaged on the season.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Maybe that could be explained by the fact that the offense–more specifically, the offensive line–that Trojan fans watched that night was not the same one playing all year.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Center Marcus Martin suffered a knee injury on the Trojan’s first possession. Guard Aundrey Walker followed in the first possession of the second half with a broken ankle. Neither will play today against Fresno State in the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl, leaving some room for concern amongst the Trojan faithful as to whether or not the team can keep up with the high-flying Bulldogs on the scoreboard.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Martin was replaced by sixth-year senior Abe Markowitz and senior John Martinez came in for Walker. The Trojan offensive line surrendered six sacks on the night, more than it had in the last three games combined.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">The Bulldog defense USC will face Saturday certainly looks more porous than UCLA’s. The Bruins are ranked 39<sup>th</sup> in the country for points against while Fresno State comes in at 81<sup>st</sup>.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">But Fresno State’s offense is 5<sup>th</sup> in the nation, averaging over 45 points a game. The Bulldogs are led by Derek Carr, the quarterback with the most passing yards in the country this season. With USC’s strength all year coming on defense, the matchup today will certainly be an interesting one. Or, at least for half of the possessions.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Despite coming into the game as the lower ranked team in the major polls, USC sits at 25<sup>th</sup> in the BCS standings but unranked in the AP Poll while Fresno State holds the 20<sup>th</sup> and 21<sup>st</sup> spot respectively, USC is favored by six points.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">Struggling with reduced scholarships on top of the injuries, the team has very little depth on the offensive line. With a number of the possible backups currently redshirting, the Trojans converted walk-on tight end Nathan Guertler to a lineman for the game. Markowitz will hold down the center with Martinez to his near right at guard and Kevin Graf to his far right at tackle. To Markowitz’s left will be guard Max Tuerk and tackle Chad Wheeler.</p>
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<p class="MsoNormal">If any more of the linemen get hurt, the Trojans are in serious trouble. But if the line stays in tact, that may be enough to keep the USC offense in synch all day. The new group of starters will have had much more time to prepare together as a unit than it did immediately following the injuries during the UCLA game, and we’ll find out today if that added time will be enough for USC to establish control in the trenches.</p>
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https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5233536/is-the-trojan-offensive-line-ready-for-the-vegas-bowllholthou usc.edu2013-12-21T11:03:43-08:002013-12-21T11:03:43-08:00USC: Five Las Vegas "Bowled" Predictions
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<figcaption>Javorius "Buck" Allen must carry the load in Las Vegas, but will USC show up on the field? | Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>The No. 25 Trojans arrived in Sin City on time to face No. 20 Fresno State, but how much would the Italian Trojan bet that they even show up on the field?</p> <p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976083/LasVegasBowl.jpg"><img alt="Lasvegasbowl_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976083/LasVegasBowl_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>We are mere hours away from the <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/67207/royal-purple-las-vegas-bowl-preview">Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl</a>, presumably sponsored in part by a pimped out Barney. Everyone toss your wallets into a pile in the center of the room and exempt yourselves from rational decision-making.</p>
<p>The atmosphere leading up to kickoff abounds with fluctuating urgency. At least USC got off to a decent start this week compared to <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=323660059">last year's Sun Bowl</a>, as interim-interim Clay Helton wrestled his players away from airport slot machines long enough to <a href="http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20131218/usc-interim-football-coach-clay-helton-makes-sure-not-to-repeat-lane-kiffins-mistake">punctually attend the inaugural dinner</a>.</p>
<p>Amid 99-cent shrimp cocktails and hangovers incorporating everything short of Bradley Cooper, the Trojans would rather be in Pasadena. It's understandable, for who in their right mind aspires for a non-BCS December bowl with a silly name? Based on its track record recollected by <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1889910-usc-football-will-the-las-vegas-bowl-be-a-trap-game-for-the-trojans">Bleacher Report's Trenise Fereira</a>, certainly not USC: "Even before the BCS era, USC went 6-6 in bowl games between 1980 and 1998, and all of those losses came in lesser bowls."</p>
<p>Sam Boyd Stadium will still be filled with an eager fan base playing bingo and Streak for the Cash on their smart phones. We know the Song Girls will be present, garbed in ugly sweaters. Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go (besides Coach O)?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976119/usc-song-girls.jpg"><img alt="Usc-song-girls_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976119/usc-song-girls_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Motivation is the key in this Top 25 matchup against Fresno State. The Mountain West champion Bulldogs are assuredly hungry after being one <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=333330023">San Jose State letdown</a> away from automatically qualifying for a Sugar, Fiesta or Orange Bowl bid. USC, conversely, has to decide whether it is fighting on for pride and job security, or packing it in to preserve health and look forward to the next Steve Sarkisian chapter (now headlined with allegedly fresh <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/12/18/5226228/tosh-lupoi-investigation-benefits-washington-usc">Secret Santa sanctions</a>).</p>
<p>If the Italian Trojan was a gambling man (online poker-ing as we speak), then the Trojans do not wish to trade seats with 1-11 California. An exciting football game is lurking in our future, doused with All-Americans Leonard Williams and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161018/nelson-agholor">Nelson Agholor</a>, and the exuberance generated during Christmas miracle worker Ed Orgeron's brief tenure.</p>
<p>Of course, will USC realistically summon enough of a heartbeat? Am I willing to bet all of my unpaid loans on that answer? On to the <b>bold predictions:</b></p>
<p><b>1) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38288/ty-isaac">Ty Isaac</a> eclipses 100 rushing yards for the first time in his young career.</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976095/932d8ea7295a88df8cac21ac69cbd3f4.jpeg"><img alt="932d8ea7295a88df8cac21ac69cbd3f4_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976095/932d8ea7295a88df8cac21ac69cbd3f4_medium.jpeg"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sbnation/SBNation_20131214_USC_s_Silas_Redd__Tre_Madden_might_miss_Las_Vegas_Bowl.html">Silas Redd</a> will conclude his senior campaign on the bench with a bum knee. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136351/tre-madden">Tre Madden</a> appears to be a game-time decision as well. That leaves two running backs in this successful yet inconsistently abled stable.</p>
<p>Many expect <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/513339/javorius-allen">Javorius "Buck" Allen</a> to carry the load and continue his recent tear, and he'll be sure to accumulate his stats. However, the opportunities are there for <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/546420/ty-isaac">freshman change-up Isaac</a>, and Helton should maintain balance among his spread touches to keep the Bulldogs guessing.</p>
<p>USC would benefit greatly from an attempted regeneration of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlTCVVoleA4">"Thunder and Lightning."</a> Fresno State, after all, was personally victimized by a <a href="http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=253230030">record-setting Reggie Bush</a> (294 rushing yards, 519 all-purpose yards…and he pushed them in front of a bus) and two goal line scores from LenDale White the last time these two teams met in 2005.</p>
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<p>Although it was David Fales' six passing touchdowns that sealed San Jose State's upset victory, it was the Spartans' commitment to handing the ball off 45 times that exposed Fresno's <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/team/_/id/278/fresno-state-bulldogs">No. 81 scoring defense</a> (29.1 points per game) and <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/24">ordinary run defense</a> (147.7 YPG).</p>
<p>The Trojans' battered offensive line is more equipped to run block at this point, and it's their best chance to thrive.</p>
<p><b>2) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136350/cody-kessler">Cody Kessler</a> earns the gig over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113423/max-browne">Max Browne</a> to start 2014.</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976101/cody-kessler.jpg"><img alt="Cody-kessler_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976101/cody-kessler_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Kessler's regular-season performances should already deem him worthy of the starting job.</p>
<p>There aren't any Matt Leinart-like or Matt Barkley-esque box scores, but Kessler protects the football (<a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/513329/cody-kessler">six interceptions on the year</a>) and poses more mobility and a stronger arm than people give him credit for. He was an integral cog in the orchestrated shocker of Stanford:</p>
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<p>It would be a waste of five-star talent Browne, but he is ultimately a product of Lane Kiffin's recruitment and regime anyway, and he's expressed no threat yet of transferring.</p>
<p>Kessler merely has to follow suit today--prevent turnovers and capitalize on awarded play-action. Whether USC wins or loses, he cannot be the reason it loses, and the role is his to exchange for University Bookstore credit only if he so chooses.</p>
<p><b>3) Both defenses will sack their opposing quarterbacks a combined SEVEN times.</b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976107/600.jpg"><img alt="600_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976107/600_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>Clancy Pendergast's relentless 5-2 pass rush has been the story of USC's success from the beginning, as it ranks <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/defense/sort/sacks">14h nationally with 35 sacks</a>. What isn't as publicized is the front seven of Fresno State, providing the highest sack rate (3.25, <a href="http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/466">courtesy of NCAA.com Statistics</a>) in the country.</p>
<p>Average that with how often Trojans quarterbacks have found themselves on the ground (2.54), and then perform the inverse (USC's 2.69 to Fresno's 0.92), and Saturday morning math indicates the over/under should be five sacks.</p>
<p>Factor in the LA Times' reported losses of starting offensive linemen <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/dec/01/sports/la-sp-1201-usc-football-notes-20131201">Marcus Martin and Aundrey Walker</a>, and paused humility of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78133/devon-kennard">Devon Kennard</a> and company, and I'm tacking on an additional sack for each team and rolling lucky sevens. By the way, there will be a quiz at the end of the article.</p>
<p><b>4) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113434/soma-vainuku">Soma Vainuku</a> records at least two touchdowns.</b></p>
<p><a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976113/vainuku.0412-300x300.jpg"><img alt="Vainuku" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1976113/vainuku.0412-300x300_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>The blocking fullback from Eureka (the city, not the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpnZPM99JSM">castle</a>) evolved into a spark plug a la <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9554/stanley-havili">Stanley Havili</a> in the two weeks prior to being shutout by UCLA. <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/player/_/id/500247/soma-vainuku">Vainuku</a> burst out of the flat and into the receiving end of Kessler's sole touchdown pass versus Stanford, and then exploded in the "Running of the Buffaloes" with five carries for 70 yards and a score against Colorado.</p>
<p>The Trojans need every ounce of creativity and intangibility available, although the ensuing negligence of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> before he drops a bubble screen in the third quarter shoves him toward the <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/football/nfl/la-sp-1220-marqise-lee-usc-20131220,0,6490299.story#axzz2o8aV7Xkx">NFL Draft</a> once and for all.</p>
<p><b>5) USC loses 41-30 and fails to attain that 10th victory.</b></p>
<p>How is this possible? Doesn't every aforementioned prediction imply triumph? Aren't the Trojans <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5230618/usc-vs-fresno-state-previews-tv-schedule-odds-and-more">6.5-point favorites</a> according to Bovada? Do I NOT half-expect Traveler to now wake up in HIS bed tomorrow morning soaked in the blood of MY torso?!</p>
<p><object width="425" height="350" class="mceItemFlash"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/q2CX20bBNJE">
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<p>The majority of the contest will remain competitive. Issues quickly arise, though, once Josh Shaw and a susceptible secondary surrender those first few chocolatey chunks of yardage at the mercy of the <a href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/player/_/stat/passing/sort/passingYards/year/2013/group/80">nation's leading passer Derek Carr</a>. He is as gung-ho about rehashing USC's lack of interest in him upon his recruitment as he is inspired to avenge that San Jose State defeat.</p>
<p>Soon after, the complacency sinks in. The Trojans succumb to the fact that their playoff game is colored in with a royal purple crayon, and the coaching staff overhaul and depth concerns ultimately weigh down their shoulders. Coach O mails them a fresh batch of cookies and they'll eat their feelings whilst regrouping from January to August 30th.</p>
<p>That's when USC will be waiting in the Coliseum for their rematch with Fresno State, and the momentum arrow shall shift. I would take that bet.</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5232590/usc-football-las-vegas-bold-predictionsitalian_trojan2013-12-21T11:01:27-08:002013-12-21T11:01:27-08:00USC-Fresno State: What To Watch
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t_R75hj3fBExX2cMCHRgr0PhZT4=/3x0:3996x2662/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/25505877/452666685.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Who will win the quarterback battle? Which defense will step up and get stops? We examine that and much more in our game preview of USC-Fresno State. </p> <p><b>1. Derek Carr vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136350/cody-kessler">Cody Kessler</a></b></p>
<p>Both signal callers are from Bakersfield, Calif., but that's where the similarities end. The two have had completely different seasons for their respective teams. Carr led Fresno State to an 11-1 record and set Mountain West and school records for passing yards (4,866) and touchdown passes (48) this year (both marks led the nation, too). The two-time conference offensive player of the year had a 70.1 percentage completion rate and threw just seven interceptions, despite slinging the ball 605 times (50.4 attempts per game). Meanwhile, Kessler had his share of ups and downs during his first full season as a starter. In the first five games with coach Lane Kiffin on the sidelines, the redshirt sophomore averaged 166.4 yards through the air, and threw six touchdowns and four interceptions (in two of those games, he split duties with <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek">Max Wittek</a>). In the second half of the season under coach Ed Orgeron, Kessler tossed 10 touchdown passes to just two picks, averaging 223.9 yards through the air. Which quarterback will execute better and take care of the ball to give his team a chance to win?</p>
<p><b>2. Stepping up on Defense</b></p>
<p>The Bulldogs' defense isn't particularly a strong point. They ranked <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html">118th</a> in the nation (out of 125 FBS teams), allowing an average of 278.2 passing yards per game. The Trojans boast a number of weapons at wide receiver, including <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161018/nelson-agholor" class="sbn-auto-link">Nelson Agholor</a> (824 yards, four touchdowns) and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee" class="sbn-auto-link">Marqise Lee</a> (673 yards, two touchdowns). On the other side, the Bulldogs have one of the nation's top receivers in redshirt sophomore Davante Adams (1645 yards, 23 touchdowns). As a team, Fresno State ranked <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/total/sort/netYardsPerGame">third</a> in total yards per game (570.6) and <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/college-football/statistics/team/_/stat/total/sort/totalPointsPerGame">fifth</a> in points per game (45.3). The Trojans, however, ranked <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/team/defense/split01/category02/sort01.html">33rd</a> in the nation in pass defense, allowing 214.5 yards through the air and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category16/sort01.html">19th</a> in the nation in interceptions (16). It all starts up front for USC, though, as their front seven has played an integral role in the team's success on the defensive side. The Trojans ranked <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category20/sort01.html">16th</a> in sacks (34.0) and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cfbstats.com/2013/leader/national/team/offense/split01/category21/sort01.html">20th</a> in tackles for loss (88.0). Which squad will fare better in slowing down their opponent's offense?</p>
<p><b>3. Who will come out ready?</b></p>
<p>Fresno State had a chance at running the table before losing at San Jose State in late November. Had the Bulldogs won, they likely would have been in a BCS bowl game. USC, on the other hand, has undergone three coaching changes this season, with Clay Helton being the last coach and serving in the interim for the bowl game. Do the Trojans finish the season on a high note, or will there be a similar performance to that in the Sun Bowl just last season?</p>
<p><i>USC-Fresno State kicks off at 12:30pm PT and will be televised on ABC. </i></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5232334/usc-fresno-state-what-to-watchtrevor.wong2013-12-21T06:00:06-08:002013-12-21T06:00:06-08:00Las Vegas Bowl Game Day Primer
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<figcaption>Ethan Miller</figcaption>
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<p>It all comes down to one final game for the 2013 season, see what's in store for USC in Las Vegas.</p> <p>The Las Vegas Bowl has finally arrived as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> and Fresno State Bulldogs square off for their final game of the season, previewing what will also kick off the start of next season from the confines of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.</p>
<p>Interim coach Clay Helton, who once led Memphis in the interim role during the 2006 season, will lead the Trojans into Sam Boyd Stadium searching for a 10-win season.</p>
<p>Their opponent, the 20th ranked Fresno State Bulldogs, were just one victory away against San Jose State from possibly securing a berth in a BCS Bowl Game this season.</p>
<p>This up-and-down season will all come down to one final game from Las Vegas before newest head coach Steve Sarkisian goes from simply watching practice to actually running the daily duties of the program.</p>
<p>In the meantime, fans will get one more opportunity to watch seniors take the field while also pondering the future around many of the draft-eligible juniors that could declare for the draft shortly after the final whistle.</p>
<blockquote data-partner="tweetdeck" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>UNLV turf feel like Dallas field when Emmit was still playing lol</p>
— Su'a Cravens (@_Suu_C) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Suu_C/statuses/414200183434395648">December 21, 2013</a>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
<p>Game Time, TV channel: 12:30 p.m. PST, ESPN</p>
<p>ESPN Radio: 710 ESPN (KSPN-AM)</p>
<p>Odds and Wagers: Latest Odds from Bovada: USC -6.5/UCLA +6,5, O/U 65</p>
<p>What The Numbers Say: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/admin/hub_layout/show?community_id=86">Inside The Numbers USC vs. Fresno State</a></p>
<p><b>SARK STANDING BY</b></p>
<p>Recently-announced new Trojan head coach Steve Sarkisian, who brought his 2012 Washington team to the Las Vegas Bowl, is waiting in the wings to take over after the game. For the second consecutive year, the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl will feature a matchup of teams that will open the following season by playing again.</p>
<p><b>FUN FRESNO FACT</b></p>
<p>Fresno State is the third Mountain West Conference opponent on USC's schedule in 2013, the first time Troy has ever played three current MWC teams in the same season. The Trojans won their 2013 season-opener at Hawaii, 30-13, and then defeated Utah State at home, 17-14 both games played under former head coach Lane Kiffin.</p>
<p><b>USC 21st CENTURY BOWL HISTORY</b></p>
<p>2001 Las Vegas Utah 10, USC 6<br>2003 Orange USC 38, Iowa 17<br>2004 Rose USC 28, Michigan 14<br>2005 Orange* USC 55, Oklahoma 19<br>2006 Rose* Texas 41, USC 38<br>2007 Rose USC 32, Michigan 18<br>2008 Rose USC 49, Illinois 17<br>2009 Rose USC 38, Penn State 24<br>2009 Emerald USC 24, Boston College 13<br>2012 Sun Georgia Tech 21, USC 14</p>
<p><b>SATURDAY SCHEDULE</b></p>
<p>9:00 am-12:00 pm Xbox One Tailgaming Party Sam Boyd Stadium<br>12:36 pm Kickoff, Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl Sam Boyd Stadium <br><span> </span> <span>Then Post-Game Media Conference SBS North End Zone Interview Room</span></p>
<p> </p>
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<link href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css" rel="stylesheet"></p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/21/5230618/usc-vs-fresno-state-previews-tv-schedule-odds-and-moreEvan Budrovich2013-12-18T13:47:41-08:002013-12-18T13:47:41-08:00Team Departs For Vegas At Crucial Juncture
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<figcaption>Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After two weeks of practice during the grind of finals, the players are finishing up their work in the classroom and heading out to Las Vegas for the final game of the season. </p> <p>The planes have departed and festivities are officially taking place in Sin City leading up to the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday. <span>Winning remains the biggest goal, but one could argue much more is on the line than a 10-win season.</span></p>
<p><span>From what we have seen in recent memory, it involves treating your opponent, your host town and the preparation process with the utmost respect and concentration for the next few days. Something that has been discussed around the program and was quickly addressed by coach Helton before the team departed from Los Angeles. </span></p>
<p><span></span><span>"</span><span>We have treated you like men all year and we expect you to act like grown men. Obviously we are gonna have a little bit of fun there, but we are going to set curfews every night," interim coach Clay Helton said about his team's preparation heading into the bowl game.</span></p>
<p>Among the antics from last season's Hyundai Sun Bowl, t<span>he team was late to a dinner with opponent Georgia Tech -- though apparently that was connected to a flight delay -- and certain players voiced their displeasure towards spending winter break in El Paso, Tex..</span></p>
<p>What could make this game different for USC is the greatest gift of them all, the gift of timing. The Trojans play Fresno State in the first game of the entire bowl season, something that comes as a blessing in disguise for a program looking not only to win but also move swiftly into the Steve Sarkisian head coaching era.</p>
<p>Last year's uninspired performance on New Year's Eve is vividly rememberable, which definitely set USC back with its coaching staff and confidence for a good deal of time.</p>
<p><span>In a year that could set decibel records for the amount of news sparking the sound level meter, the Trojans have had time to absorb the lows of losing to Washington State and being crushed in Tempe this season and the high of defeating then No. 4 Stanford at the Coliseum in November.</span></p>
<p>So as the team pulls up to its hotel on Wednesday, it seems one door is effectively closing to open another.</p>
<p>"Any time that you have kids that live in the middle of the city, if you live in LA, then you can live anywhere," said Helton, describing whether his team would possibly lose focus playing a bowl game in Las Vegas.</p>
<p>The biggest thing keeping this team together is finishing the year out strong for the entire remaining coaching staff, of which only Tee Martin has been announced as coming back for next season.</p>
<p><span>In terms of big picture, this program is looking to embrace the spirit Ed Orgeron left by playing for its former head coach and closing out the season quickly, swiftly and in grand fashion. </span><span>What could ultimately be in USC's favor, however, is that the trip to Vegas is centered around business and fond memories over pleasure.</span></p>
<p>"We represent the Trojan family. We represent our brother that lives next to us. We represent our own family," Helton said about his team's possible behavior and focus this week. "<span>At the end of the day student athletes have to be responsible and thank goodness we have guys of the utmost character and we ultimately trust them."</span></p>
<p>What are the players saying? Well it all begins with the leadership on top, and from what we've been hearing throughout finals week is that players want to win this game not only for themselves but also Orgeron and his remaining staff.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Just Killed my Last Final. New Focus : Get that <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%2310th&src=hash">#10th</a> Win for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CoachO&src=hash">#CoachO</a> & this Staff!!!</p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113430/hayes-pullard" class="sbn-auto-link">Hayes Pullard</a> lll ✌ (@FightOn10) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightOn10/statuses/413160077688709121">December 18, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
<p>USC will certainly be put to the test on Saturday, but if history and timing play a role in this weekend's Las Vegas Bowl, the Trojans will be playing all out for one last football game in 2013.</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/18/5222858/las-vegas-bowl-trojans-commence-moving-day-towards-sin-cityEvan Budrovich2013-12-18T09:36:20-08:002013-12-18T09:36:20-08:00Helton's Crazy Ride Culminates In Vegas
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After it was announced former interim head coach Ed Orgeron would not be returning next year as the head coach of the USC football team, several Trojan players said they felt they lost a father figure on the team.</p>
<p>If Orgeron was the team dad, then that must make current interim head coach Clay Helton something like that really quiet uncle that you forgot came over for Thanksgiving and is now taking you skiing at his house in Mammoth over winter break.</p>
<p>Helton has a pretty tough act to follow as he takes over the interim head coaching role from Orgeron and leads No. 25 ranked USC into the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl this Saturday against the No. 20 Fresno State Bulldogs. Helton replaces a man whose love from Trojan fans was matched only by the players who did everything they could for him over the last eight games of a crazy 9-4 regular season.</p>
<p>For Helton, the season has been just as crazy personally as it has been for the team as a whole. He began the year as the quarterbacks coach and the official offensive coordinator, yet that title would have been more aptly applied to former head coach Lane Kiffin, who did all the play calling.</p>
<p>After Kiffin was fired and Orgeron became the interim, interim head coach during the bye week, Helton was given full control of the offense as he took over the play-calling duties directly from the sideline.</p>
<p>When Orgeron resigned after it was announced he would not drop the interim label from his title, Helton got his second promotion of the year. But that wasn't necessarily good news for Helton, as incoming head coach Steve Sarkisian boasted one of the best offenses in the country at Washington this year, already starting to <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/11/5201006/sarkisian-shuffling-through-current-usc-coaching-staff">recruit a large portion of that offensive staff </a> to follow him down to SC.</p>
<p>The Huskies averaged 514.3 yards and 38.5 points a game this regular season, good for eighth and 18<font size="1">th</font> respectively in the country, while USC averaged 392.3 yards and 28.5 points per game.</p>
<p>So Helton has to keep a group of returning players that may already be looking to next season, a group of outgoing players that may be looking back on what could have been this year and a group of unsure players that may or may not be thinking about the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-combine">NFL combine</a> already, to all stay focused preparing for one more game.</p>
<p>On top of that, this will be Helton's first time ever as a head coach of a team during a game situation. He was an assistant for Memphis for 10 seasons before spending the last four in Southern California, and he once had to run practice for a short time at Memphis when then head coach Tommy West had off-season heart surgery, but this will be the first time Helton will ever be fully in charge of a game plan.</p>
<p>A strong performance Saturday would be a huge boost for the program going into next year for all the returning players as well as some recruits that are still unsure as to where they want to play in the future.</p>
<p>USC would break the 10-win mark for only the second time in the last five seasons, which is a big deal for a program that had double digit wins for seven straight years at one point during the Pete Carroll era.</p>
<p>For Helton, how the team looks on Dec. 21 will say a lot about his deservingness to stay on the Trojan staff, or possibly pursue a head coaching gig of his own.</p>
<p>What does Helton need to do to keep the team locked in for a very good Bulldogs team and possibly keep his spot on next year's offense locked in? He needs to keep everything fun. Not too much fun, but still fun. More like an Orgeron, less like a Kiffin.</p>
<p>The atmosphere around the team maybe shouldn't feel too much like a business trip, but also shouldn't feel like a scene from <i>The Hangover</i>. It should fall in the middle, like the Average Joe's trip to Vegas in <i>Dodgeball.</i></p>
<p>Helton needs to harp on the underdog mentality, organize some quality team-bonding activities during the trip, keep the positive energy going at practice and make sure that the team goes out strong against Fresno. If the Trojans come out flat against the Bulldogs and look like they don't want to be there, Helton won't be back.</p>
<p><span>The signs from the few practices so far have been good. Players are saying all the right things and seem to be poised to go out strong, but Saturday will be the true litmus test. Whatever happens in the game, it is sure to be more exciting than your average winter break family ski trip. For more coverage, visit </span><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/events/142129">Bulldogs vs Trojans coverage</a>.</p>
https://www.conquestchronicles.com/2013/12/18/5224166/interim-coach-clay-heltons-roller-coaster-ride-has-just-begunlholthou usc.edu