USC and Stanford could arguably be the most-exciting recent rivalry in the Pacific-12 Conference but there seems to be a definite enthusiasm gap this season. In 2013 and 2014, the Trojans needed a fourth-quarter field goal by Andre Heidari to defeat the highly regarded Cardinal.
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The last time a game between USC and Stanford was decided by more than one score was 2009. USC has one of the biggest, and best, offensive lines in the country, with all-league center Max Tuerk as the anchor, and will undoubtedly attempt to wear down Stanford’s starters.
This wasn’t as historic as the 2007 upset here by a 41-point underdog Cardinal, or as dramatic as the 2011 triple-overtime win here by the Andrew Luck Cardinal, but in some ways it was just as painful.
“I’m excited to see once we start opening it up, ” Hogan said.
Combined margin of victory in the five games: 23 points.
This year? Well, tickets are still available.
Stanford lost its opener to Northwestern in an upset but bounced back with a twenty-four point victory over UCF in week two. Goodbye Top 25 ranking and marquee game at the Coliseum.
That big-game experience shined through repeatedly while the Cardinal revitalized their season with yet another major win at the Coliseum. To at least keep it close maybe when some other factors point to a USC blow-out.
“This one hurts, obviously”, said Kessler. Steven Mitchell? Darreus Rogers? USC’s dual-threat sophomore Adoree’ Jackson had a long kickoff return for a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty…. Two of those running backs are led by Ronald Jones II, who leads in yards, and Tre Madden leading in the touchdown category. Seth Collins ran for two touchdowns and passed for another and Oregon State scored 21 unanswered second-half points to beat San Jose State 35-21…. It felt that way in training camp with the drama but the first two games erased it. Now everything is up for debate again.
Stanford quarterback Kevin Hogan runs past Southern Cal defenders in the second half on Saturday.
Stanford executed one of its patented time-consuming drives on its next possession, moving 84 yards on nine plays in a methodical 5:34.
Two weeks ago, this reality would have been hard to imagine.
Where he could trouble USC is with his foot speed… if he chooses to run.
The very next play, however, Coker made an ill-advised throw as he was being leveled that was picked off, the Tide’s fifth turnover of the game (three interceptions and no fumbles to zero turnovers for the Rebels) and what was certainly the absolute, final dagger.
Maybe Hogan deserves a break when you consider he is not surrounded by a lot of stars.
“Stanford”s Christian McCaffrey, Barry Sanders and Remound Wright are the leading rushers for a team that has averaged only 3.2 yards per rushing play. Less impressive is the fact he averages 3.9 yards per carry.
The Cardinal’s top backup is now Jordan Watkins, who has played few meaningful snaps during his four-year career. Marshall is expected to start his first college game. It also gives them a strong leg up in the Pac-12 standings heading into a tough two-game stretch against Arizona and UCLA in October.
“The biggest thing is cleaning up some of the stuff up front and the running backs’ eyes, ” Shaw said. We did the same thing with Andrus Peat as a true freshman. Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga played the second quarter against Idaho at right tackle and should alternate with Zach Banner against the Cardinal.
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Stanford’s Bryce Love, at right, celebrates with teammates after a 93-yard touchdown against Central Florida in the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif., on Saturday, September 12, 2015.
