USC preps defense for Oregon’s firepower


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The streaking USC football team practiced on Howard Jones Field on Wednesday, continuing preparation for Saturday’s game against Oregon. The Ducks bring their high-powered offense to the Coliseum this weekend, and the Trojans will look to outgun their opponents, who average over 40 points per game.

Since the Chip Kelly revolution in Eugene, Oregon has been synonymous with a breakneck offense, most famously producing speedster quarterback Marcus Mariota. But even with the Kelly-Mariota juggernaut now long gone, the Trojans remain wary of the Ducks’ threat, and the week’s preparations focused on containing it.

“When you see Oregon on tape, you just feel the speed,” head coach Clay Helton said. “Without question, over the last seven years I’ve been here, they’ve always been the fastest team we’ve played.”

Redshirt junior safety Chris Hawkins agreed, and he also praised the Ducks’ ability to make big plays on offense.

“This might be the best skill position set that we’ve seen all year,” he said. “As a defense, we have to communicate well and stay poised in what we do and in what coach is teaching us this week.”

With a multitude of threats in the Oregon stable, from wideout Darren Carrington II to running back Royce Freeman, Helton stressed the need for defensive efficiency on Saturday.

“Anytime you’re facing a tempo team…one of the most critical situations is being able to get off the field on defense,” he said.

And the key to achieving that goal likely lies in containing Oregon’s quarterback, Justin Herbert. The talented true freshman will make his third career start this weekend, and Helton was determined to make the rookie uncomfortable.

“It’s imperative to get pressure on this quarterback on third down,” he said. “If you don’t hit this kid, you’re going to have a long day because he can distribute.”

“They’re opening up the playbook for him each time he gets another start, so I’m sure we’ll see some stuff we haven’t seen yet,” Hawkins added. “Hopefully, him being a freshman, we can disguise and get some hands on some balls.”

USC will take the field against Oregon needing every win it can get. In the team’s penultimate home game of the season, Hawkins hoped the fans would roar their Trojans through.

“I’m sure the Coliseum is going to be pretty loud,” he said. “It should be. We’re on a roll right now, so I expect a whole lot of fans to be out there.”