Week 9 Preview: at #2 USC Trojans
Record: 6-0, 3-0 Big Ten
Head Coach: Dave Aranda
Offensive Scheme: Air Raid
Defensive Scheme: 3-3-5 Tite
Team Schedule
vs. Gulf Coast University (FCS): W 49-3
vs. Utah State (2-4): W 49-7
at Michigan (4-3): W 26-23
vs. Rutgers (1-6): W 34-23
vs. Wisconsin (4-4): W 34-17
at #18 Notre Dame (4-2): W 27-14
Team Leaders
Passing: Adonis Ambrose 65 cmp%, 2290 yards, 20 TD, 3 INT, 168.4 passer rating
Rushing: Cordell Lefotu 252 yards, 4.1 ypc, 2 TD
Receiving: Connor Muamba 43 receptions, 648 yards, 9 TD
Defense: Soma Singh 34 tackles, 10 TFL, 5.5 sacks
Injuries
G Shaquille Marks (Senior) Torn Pectoral (Season) CB Chauncey Ankrah (Senior) Quad Tear (Out) EDGE Percy Cadet (Sophomore) Dislocated Elbow (Out)Players to Watch
QB Adonis Ambrose (R-Jr) | 6′3", 205LBS | 89 OVR, 88 SPD, 95 ACC, 93 COD, 94 THP, 93 SAC, 91 MAC, 92 DAC‣ Ambrose looked like the Heisman run away after throwing for thirteen touchdowns in the first two games of the season and while the volume has been there in terms of yardage and touchdowns, the efficiency hasn't. He completed less than sixty percent of his passes in two of the last three games and threw two interceptions against Wisconsin. He had his best game against a quality opponent against the Irish, throwing for 336 yards and a touchdown so he is rounding into form.
WR Connor Muamba (Jr) | 6′3", 216LBS | 88 OVR, 94 SPD, 98 ACC, 82 CTH, 93 CIT‣ The best matchup of the game might be between Muamba and nickel Kentrell Marvin as they battle it out in the slot. Muamba is a physical receiver that uses his size to create separation and when in the redzone, he is Ambrose's top target with nine touchdowns already. He's caught at least six catches in every game this season and has as many three touchdown games (2) as games without a touchdown.
EDGE Sam Gizzi (R-Sr) | 6′5", 267LBS | 88 OVR, 89 SPD, 91 ACC, 99 PMV, 83 FMV, 91 BSH‣ His running mate Soma Singh might have the numbers right now, leading the team with six sacks but it's Gizzi who sets the tone with his effectiveness against both the run and the pass. He had sixteen sacks last year and twelve the year before so at some point, the sacks are going to start coming in bunches and it might be this week when he takes on a true freshman right tackle for Stanford.
Hard Rock Bet™
Spread: USC -3.5
Moneyline: Stanford +145
Over: 58.5
Place your bets and I'll keep track of your winnings/loss throughout the season. The winner's (by percentage with a minimum of 16 bets placed) team of choice will get a rating's bump and choose which conference to be the commissioner of for the following season to select my schedule. The second place will have second choice on which conference and so forth for third and fourth place.
The Bookie
Caesar 11-2
Captain Canada 12-1
redsox907 8-4
YaBoyRobRoy 3-1
James
ShireNiner 10-5
djp73 10-2
toysoldier00 6-2
