Nervous about this Antolin kid next week, reminds me of Jizz.
'SC will probably open around 18 or so. FWIW, Pete's undefeated in the state of AZ (reverse jinx).
HK, I believe that USC will be challenged by Zona this week. I'm looking for some points to bet the Cats if it so happens. I'll jump on 18 if I see it. I have a lot of faith in USC's defense because it's as badass as they come, but Zona has teeth of their own and won't be shut down easily.
I also think there will be some pretty good numbers put up by Sanchez but I don't expect a Heisman kind of performance from him. I gotta give the crowd some credit for the way the Cats beat Cal this past week. Momentum shifts made a big difference in the game flow and I largely credit the crowd with that. That plus Jahvid Best not playing the full game. Vereen puts up respectable numbers but Best provides a spark when he's in there that gives Cal extra momentum. Without it, momentum can be lost to the crowd pretty easily there.
Overall, a 10-17 point win is about what I expect from USC this coming week. It could even be tighter than that. Remember that Carroll has been playing his bench 2 and 3 deep because of a few injuries and other personnel issues. Who's going to be their workhorse RB this week? Anyone at all? Seems like Stafon Johnson is their go to guy week in and week out but for some reason, they need more than Johnson being the workhorse, perhaps too much predictability otherwise.
But whats happening with their skill position players? Will there ever be any continuity? Does it matter? Any other team but USC would be in deep shit with all the rotation that's been recently needed. That goes for both sides of the line.
Now I'm not 100% sold on this theory but close to it. My lingering doubts have to do with USC blowing out the Wildcat inexperienced DL and secondary. So it's up to Sanchez whether or not USC gets the cover. I tend to think he will be a bit rattled at times by the crowd @ UA. But like I said, it's up to Sanchez to exploit UA's weakness.
:toast: LT
