Weekend Observations

I'm back!  Apologies to my readers for the long mid-season absence (much like the USC defense)- who would have thought working for the University would take so much out-of-office work during football season?  Anyway, here are some observations from finally being able to watch a full game.

Torin Harris? More like Torin Bench Warmer
I don't think I've seen a worse single defensive performance in quite some time.  I accept that he is a redshirt freshman.  I accept that he was up against arguably the best receiver in the Pac-10 multiple times (statistically of course).  I accept that Nick Foles is one of the all-around best qb's in the country.  But I do not accept this JV performance by Harris.  He was routinely beaten regardless of man or zone coverage.  He missed multiple tackles and simply looked confused much of the night.  He was not the most heralded prospect coming out of high school by any stretch, but did have a 4-star ranking by Rivals (not that this means much to the USC defensive roster, one that is littered with 4- and 5-star prospects that are under performing) and was recruited by just about every Pac-10 school.  Where is Nickell Robbey, who has been tearing it up when on the field this season.  Where is the, thus far, nearly-invisible TJ Bryant, a player considered one of the best in the country just two years ago who has performed admirably when given the opportunity?  While USC may not have the deepest secondary in the country, there are other viable options.  I don't know what Harris' issues are at this juncture, whether he hasn't matured physically or the film room prep isn't there, but one thing is clear- it's time for him to ride the pine and take some notes.

The "best cover corner" in the Pac-10?  Really?
Shareece Wright has been tabbed by a number of ESPN sources as the best cover corner in the Pac-10 since the pre-season.  Saturday made it clear that while he is talented, best might be a bit of stretch.  While he made a couple good plays,  his missteps led to numerous big plays for UofA, including Wright tripping on himself after getting a step behind, leading to a touchdown.  Wright has 0 interceptions this season despite starting every game.  I'm not saying he should be removed as a starter or stripped of his captaincy, although Baucham has looked solid in practice, but the talk seems to have gotten to Wright's head a little bit.  Considering physical attributes as well as intangibles (Wright held a secondary-only meeting following the back-to-back losses to UW and Stanford, the results of which can been seen against Cal), Wright is clearly one of the better corners in the Pac-10 and the country.  It might be time, though, to shake off the "best" label, maybe even the "cover" part, and just go play some football.  And keep the sacks coming.

Coach Kiff can coach
While the second half on Saturday wasn't exactly the most riveting 30 minutes of football ever, when combined with the first half, Kiffin showcased his ability to game plan, make adjustments and simply out coach.  The time of possession: 37:37 to 22:33, almost an insane 2-1 ratio.  USC on 4th down: 2-3.  Kiffin made the right calls when necessary and kept the call out of QB Nick Foles' hands.  The first half was impressive offensively, but the 2nd half was all about slowing down the game and playing to strengths.  Tyler had the game of his career thus far, fueled by Kiffin altering the game plan to beat a defense geared up to defend the pass (Barkley was 5-15 in the 2nd half, including what should NOT have been an int).  Some other stats:

3rd quarter: 9 rushes and 10 passes (only 4 completions)
4th quarter: 17 rushes and 5 passes (only 1 completion)
At one point, USC ran 10 rushes in a row (all on the same drive, mind you)

Clearly, Kiffin understood how to manage the game.  Running the ball satisfied 2 goals- running the clock and gaining first downs, not to mention not turning the ball over with Allen Bradfard on the bench (sorry AB, I wish I didn't have to go there.  Still pulling for you).  USC has been a pass first team all season, yet this adjustment clearly demonstrates a growth on the coaching front.  Coach K is on his way to a great 1st season, all things considered, with this blogger ready to put some coin down for 10-3.

In other news...
Nikola Vucevic is a BEAST.  The reigning Pac-10 Most Improved Player continued his maturation with 19 points and 14 boards against an outmatched UCI team.  Coupled with 13 rebounds from the more logical source of Alex Stephenson, USC showed a presence inside that hasn't been around since the Gibson-Jefferson year.  Not that Fontan will become anything OJ Mayo (I hope that's true in a number of ways), but if he can progress to become the player he showed off last year at Fordham, USC has a shot to be very good this season.  The team is a bit pieced together, with Fontan becoming eligible at the semester break and a number of players having transferred in.  With this said, if the team can come together with Vucevic continuing to develop and Stephenson controlling the paint, watch out come March.