Offensively & Defensively Speaking: BYU

Saturday’s game against BYU showed that the patient still has a pulse. No one can change the final score or the fact that USC has lost again at home now sporting a current season record of 4-7. But for the first time in a very long time this team fought back and had a real chance to pull out a come from behind victory in the last few minutes. The team couldn’t get it done but there was a legitimate shot at an exciting finish. 

What was the most impressive part of yesterday’s game is that USC had every opportunity to fold like they did the prior week. It was close, but the team fought back from a 28-10 deficit score to gain a lead late into the 4^th quarter. This near comeback was fueled by some timely defense and an aggressive and effective run game. Yup, you heard it a throwback to an aggressive run game.

Maybe this is Donte Williams’s stamp on the team (supported by a decimated and largely ineffective receiver corps) to create a running capability. Wow, who knew?!

Unless I dreamed it (which is possible given the lateness of the kickoff) we reversed matters during the game and fought hard to compete for control of the line of scrimmage (LOS) even with undersized defensive linemen and an on-the-job-trained O-line to create running lanes for our 2^nd and 3^rd team running backs. I know that we didn’t get the story book finish we were hoping for but it was close with one or two plays away from a win. Give BYU credit as they did just enough (with the obligatory help by Pac-12 officials) to gain an on-the-road victory. Ok, enough of the good sportsmanship crap. Of course we did over-achieve with eight penalties vs. BYU’s six. Little improvement or accountability.

Defensively Speaking:

Our defense opened with the usual 3-3-5 look even with several key injuries. We played both twin safeties (2-high) and a single high safety. Add in two inside linebackers, two CBs and a nickle back. We jammed the LOS with movement and inside pressure with an occasional outside pressure including one corner blitz netting us our only sack of the game but it was timely in the 4^th quarter. The defense did gain two interceptions and had a 3^rd reversed by the obligatory lousy Pac-12 referee personal foul call. Mauga lead the team again with 9 tackles and an interception and safety Calen Bullock made another key play.

I remain mystified that Palo-Mao is on the field as much as he is given the almost automatic over the top long touchdown give-away plus a coverage breakdown leading to another touchdown. This is a high price to pay for those minutes on the field.  Additionally on the not-so-good side, our 7/14 3^rd down conversion defense was plain lousy but improved in the 4^th quarter. Additionally, it is impossible to explain how Chris Steele can be offside on a field goal attempt which lead to a touchdown vs. a field goal with that four-point difference equaling the amount of point differential in the final score. It’s not hard math to figure out that this penalty in and of itself was a game-changer. Same ol’ nonsense and no improvement with his predictable pass interference call. Some things will not change unless the people are changed.

Defensive Shoutouts

• Kanai Mauga – 9 tackles, 0.5 TFL and an interception
• Ralen Gofort – 8 tackles and one sack
• Calen Bullock – one interception

Offensively Speaking

This was Jaxson Dart’s second consecutive start at QB with Kedon Slovis still fighting a leg injury (unspecified). His overall performance was measured but at times inspiring. He’s a tough young man who really wants to make things happen. He can extend plays and make the running game work better with his legitimate running option.

While we were outgained by BYU 465 vs. 458, it basically is not a key point. But what is a key point is 3^rd & 4^th down conversions (combined) with BYU converting 10 of 17 compared to our 9 of 19 including the unsuccessful 4^th down attempt that ended our chances of a victory. Close but not quite enough. I really liked the running attack against a lite box with our O-line moving people out especially as the game wore on. Also, I applaud the motion and slight misdirection plays that were often times successful. Somebody is listening. In the end, it wasn’t enough offense or defense, but we were a few plays away from winning this game. And that we can build upon.

Offensive Shoutouts

• Jaxson Dart – no turnovers and one rushing touchdown
• Vavae Malepeai – 20 carries and 104 yards rushing with one TD
• Lake McRee – A breakout game with four tough receptions
• Gary Bryany – Excellent kickoff return
• Ben Griffiths – four punts with a 49 yard average with two over 50 yards