O/NSO: No. 6 USC vs San Jose State edition
The Obvious: After months of high anticipation, optimism, and a sense of mission, the No. 6 USC Trojans will embark on what they hope will be a combination of torrid run and divine destiny to a 2023 conference and national championship, beginning on Saturday by hosting the unranked San Jose State Spartans in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 5 p.m. PT.
The Not So Obvious: Yes, the long wait is over, but the pressure to succeed while having the best player in college football, USC’s All-America quarterback Caleb Williams, still playing for the cardinal and gold, is now at hand. If a reconstituted defense can at least be serviceable, the Men of Troy have shot at some pretty big achievements. This is head coach Lincoln Riley’s best shot in his brief USC coaching tenure to make a major run at the CFP playoffs, but it won’t be easy, especially in the second half of an unbalanced schedule.
The Obvious: The Trojans opened a 30 ½ -point favorite to defeat San Jose State on Saturday night.
The Not So Obvious: San Jose State should not be a major obstacle for the Trojans, but it’s not really the final score that’s in question, but how the offense, defense, and special teams perform. The Trojans have as much offensive firepower as there is in the country, but there is still a lot of caution regarding the rebuilt defense and its defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. Grinch and his defense are attached at the hip, and how they do will probably determine how deep a run the Trojans can make in the Pac-12 and national picture.
Trojans’ defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and his defense will be under scrutiny during the 2023 season.
(Photo above by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Obvious: Saturday’s USC/San Jose State game from the Coliseum will be televised on the Pac-12 Network (5 p.m. PT).
The Not So Obvious: The Pac-12 Network broadcasters will be Ted Robinson (play-by-play) and Yogi Roth (analysis).
Ted Robinson will call Saturday’s play-by-play for the Pac-12 Network.
(Photo above by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for NBC Universal Photo Department)
The Obvious: Saturday’s Trojans’ radio broadcast will air live on KABC 790AM (5 p.m. PT) with Pete Arbogast (play-by-play), Shaun Cody (analyst), and Jordan Moore (sidelines).
The Not So Obvious: Trojans fans can stream live “The Trojans’ Tailgate Show” pregame radio show (KABC 790AM) for San Jose State at 3 p.m. (PT) with hosts Jordan Moore and former USC players Shaun Cody, Max Browne, and Su’a Cravens.
Longtime USC radio voice Pete Arbogast is ready for another Trojans season.
(Photo above courtesy of the JuJu Foundation)
Saturday’s game can also be heard on the Trojan Radio Network: KSHP 1400AM and 107.1FM in Las Vegas, KSZL 1230AM in Barstow, KJJZ-HD3 102.7FM in Thousand Palms and HSRN 95.1FM, and 760AM in Honolulu – as well as USCTrojans.com and KABC.com and on SiriusXM satellite radio (channels 197, 198, 397 or 959 and 960 on the app).
The Obvious: San Jose State will have its own local radio broadcast of the game in the Bay Area on KTRB 860AM -The Answer.
The Not So Obvious: The San Jose State broadcast team (5 p.m. PT) will feature Kevin Richardson (play-by-play) and former NFL QB David Fales (analyst).
The Obvious: Saturday’s Los Angeles weather forecast calls for sunny with a daytime high of 85 and a nighttime low of 65 degrees, 56% humidity, and 6% precipitation. Kickoff temperature for Saturday is expected to be sunny and 82 degrees.
The Not So Obvious: The real weather report is whether the Trojans will play four quarters of efficient and at times exciting football in all three phases of the game. We’ll see how motivated the Trojans’ roster is when, as expected, the Cardinal and Gold take the visiting Spartans to the woodshed. The big question will be the length of time that Lincoln Riley leaves his starters in what is tantamount to college football’s version of the NFL exhibition season.
It should be a warm but good weather day on Saturday evening in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for USC and San Jose State.
(Photo above by Greg Katz – WeAreSC)
Offensively, we’ll find out whether Trojans’ USC’s new and restructured offensive line works as a unit by delivering to the San Jose State the type of physicality it will take to build up for the second half of the schedule when the Trojans face several ranked teams. Offensively, we don’t have to worry about All-America quarterback Caleb Williams, the best player in college football.
The Trojan receivers, arguably the best in the country, are led by redshirt sophomore Kyron Hudson, redshirt senior Tahj Washington, senior Brenden Rice, junior Mario Williams, and Arizona junior transfer Dorian Singer. And let’s not forget twin freshman phenoms Zachariah Branch, who is the truth, and fellow freshman Makai Lemon, who was a training camp riser.
Trojans fans are excited to watch true freshman wide receiver phenom Zachariah Branch on Saturday against San Jose State.
(Photo above by On3.com)
As for running backs, we’ll find out who starts on Saturday, and whether it will be senior Austin Jones or redshirt junior South Carolina transfer MarShawn Lloyd. That should be interesting.
The tight end position will be interesting as well on Saturday to see whether Lincoln Riley elects to make this position more productive. Waiting to showcase their skills are redshirt sophomore starter Lake McRee and backup senior Jude Wolfe, who appears finally healthy to contribute.
Then there is the offensive line where all the scrutiny is happening. No matter how great the skill players are on offense, all eyes should not ignore this rebuilt offensive line. For starters, the Trojans return an all-star and NFL prospect in junior left tackle Jonah Monheim and a potential all-star candidate in senior center Justin Dedich. Filling out the balance of the offensive line will be starting right tackle and grad transfer Michael Tarquin (Florida), starting left junior guard Emmanuel Pregnon (Wyoming) or true freshman Ala ni Noa, and starting senior right guard Jarrett Kingston (Washington State). Waiting in the wings will be returners like sophomore tackle Mason Murphy, senior guard Gino Quinones, and true freshman Elijah Paige at left tackle.
Trojans’ junior offensive tackle Jonah Monheim is a strong All-America candidate in 2023.
(Photo above by Greg Katz/ WeAreSC.com)
However, despite all the offensive weaponry, all eyes both nationally and locally will be on USC’s defense. Will it tackle better? Will it wilt in the fourth quarter? Will beleaguered defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and his schemes be better at least on paper with better personnel? Trojans’ fans are holding their collective breaths to find out whether the 2023 defense is a marked improvement over last season’s disastrous defense.
We’ll see whether all the transfer newcomers that help make up the defensive front will live up to all the hype. To refresh your memory, there are defensive linemen like sophomore Bear Alexander (Georgia), senior Kyon Barrs (Arizona), and grad transfer Jack Sullivan (Purdue). Emerging as a starter at defensive end is senior returner Solomon Byrd, who will be backed by redshirt junior Romello Height. Additional support along the D-line will come from veteran redshirt senior Stanley Ta’ufo’ou and redshirt senior De’jon Benton.
The Trojans have upgraded their Mike and Will inside linebacker positions, respectively, with two new starters in Oklahoma State transfer Mason Cobb and true freshman phenom Tackett Curtis. Supporting Cobb and Curtis are redshirt senior Shane Lee at the “Mike” position and sophomore Eric Gentry at the “Will” position.
USC inside linebacker and team captain Mason Cobb walks out to a fall camp practice with the Trojans.
(Photo above by Erik McKinney/WeAreSC)
An area on defense to watch will be who starts at the important rush-end position. The starter will be sophomore Anthony Lucas (Texas A&M) with support from Georgia State redshirt senior transfer Jamil Muhammad and true freshman sensation Braylan Shelby.
Whether the secondary is better in 2023 really depends on how effective the front four are in stuffing the run and sacking the quarterback. The Trojans have an improved corner in redshirt sophomore Ceyair Wright. The other starting corner heading into San Jose State is sophomore Domani Jackson. Supporting the corner at least through the first game will be redshirt junior Jacobe Covington and redshirt senior Christian Rolland-Wallace.
Manning the important nickel position will be junior Jaylin Smith and backed by Rolland-Wallace.
There are no questions, however, when it comes to the Trojans’ safeties. Junior strong safety Calen Bullock is considered an All-America and an NFL prospect. Junior Anthony Beavers Jr. will support Bullock. There remains a battle for the starting free safety spot between redshirt seniors Max Williams and Bryson Shaw.
Trojans’ junior All-America safety Calen Bullock leads the USC secondary.
(Photo above by Keith Birmingham | MediaNews Group | Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images
On special teams, Trojans’ junior punter Eddie Czaplicki, the All-Pac-12 transfer from ASU, figures to get limited work this season, so his punting numbers may be reduced due to the Trojans’ explosive offense. However, in big games, his talents will be needed. As for placekicking, we’ll see whether returning redshirt sophomore Denis Lynch can handle the critical field goal attempts in places like Notre Dame and Autzen Stadiums, respectively.
As for the San Jose State offense, it’s led by scrambling senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, the 2023 Mountain West Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, senior running back Kairea Robinson, an All-Mountain West candidate, junior wide receiver Justin Lockhart, and four offensive line returners led by senior center Anthony Pardue. We’ll get our first look at attacking the “new” Trojans’ defense, and whether it has improved immensely over last season’s group.
Can the San Jose State defense slowdown the Trojans’ junior All-America quarterback Caleb Williams #13?
(Photo above by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
As for San Jose State’s defense, we’ll see whether they can – likely impossible – stop the USC offense. Looking to at least look respectful, the Spartans’ defense will look to junior linebacker Bryun Parham and senior safety Tre Jenkins to steady the ship in the face of trying to stop the nation’s best QB in Caleb Williams.
The Spartans return junior kicker Taren Schive and senior punter Alex Weir.
The Obvious: In 2022, the Trojans averaged 41.4 points per game, while San Jose State allowed 22.0 points per game.
The Not So Obvious: In 2022, the San Jose State offense averaged 27.4 points per game, while the Trojans defense allowed 29.2 points per contest.
The Obvious: Alex Grinch is the Trojans’ second-year defensive coordinator.
The Not So Obvious: Regarding defending elusive San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro, Grinch said, “He’s real slippery and can make a bad play good. Is there any more surprises as a defense to see a scrambling quarterback? If you’re surprised to see a scrambling quarterback in this day and age, shame on you. It’s our expectation every single week, and it doesn’t make it any easier to defend.
“His ability to get yards and extend plays, man, it thins you out every which way. It’s easy to say spy a guy, but that means you’re not rushing as many as you’d like to rush for pressure. It gives you major fits, always has, and always will.”
Elusive San Jose State senior quarterback Chevan Cordeiro will test the rebuilt USC defense.
(Photo above © Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports)
The Obvious: San Jose State is coached by Brent Brennan, who is in his 7th season as the Spartans’ headman.
The Not So Obvious: Regarding playing against Caleb Williams, Brennan said, “We’re playing against the best player in America (Caleb Williams), and that presents a whole different problem (on defense), right? This quarterback is elusive, he’s very strong, and it’s hard to get him down. His ability to make every throw whether he’s in the pocket or on the move, makes him incredibly hard to defend. It’s going to be a big challenge for our team.”
The Obvious: The San Jose State quarterback is Chevan Cordeiro (6-1, 196).
The Not So Obvious: Cordeiro attended St. Louis High in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is a former transfer from the University of Hawaii. The philosophy major led his high school team to the HHSAA Open Division Championship and was named the Gatorade Hawai’i Football Player of the Year.
The Obvious: The major area of scrutiny for the Trojans going into the 2023 season remains the defense, and there remain real questions despite the new influx of talent.
The Not So Obvious: This week, national Fox TV analyst Joel Klatt reiterated he has picked Washington over the Trojans for the Pac-12 title. Of the Trojans and the defense, Klatt said, “My problem is this is not a track record where you can point to what Alex Grinch or Lincoln Riley did at Oklahoma and say, ‘Oh, see they’ve got a track record, a way to fix this (the defense). So that’s why they fell at eight (in my Top 10). Prove it now. They’ve gotten some transfers that I think could really improve their bodies. I agree with that. I need to see it in order to come off of that stance.”
FOX college football analyst Joel Klatt says that the Trojans must show an improved defense in 2023 to win the Pac-12.
(Photo above by Raymond Carlin III | USA TODAY Sports)
The Obvious: Trojans’ redshirt senior defensive lineman Solomon Tuliaupupu had been counted on this season and had a great spring and early training camp.
The Not So Obvious: Lincoln Riley painfully acknowledged this week that Solomon has been lost for the season with what the coach described as a lower leg injury that required a medical procedure. Riley said he hoped to see “Solo” again next fall when the Trojans transition to the Big Ten Conference.
The Obvious: The Trojans have six players from the Bay Area.
The Not So Obvious: Among the Trojans players from the Bay Area include DL De’jon Benton (Pittsburg HS), OL Andres Dewerk (Los Gatos HS), CB Prophet Brown (Monterey Trail HS), RB Austin Jones (Bishop O’Dowd HS), OL Alani Noa (Grant Union HS) and OL Amos Talalele (Santa Clara HS).
USC true freshman offensive lineman Amos Talalele looks to be a future star.
(Photo above by WeAreSC/Scott Schrader)
The Obvious: San Jose State has 18 players who attended a Los Angeles County school.
The Not So Obvious: WR Kejuan Bullard Jr. (San Pedro HS), QB Jay Butterfield (Liberty HS), WR Matthew Coleman (Junipero Serra HS), QB Walker Eget (West Ranch HS), DL Dylan Hampsten (Oaks Christian HS), DB DJ Harvey (Sierra Canyon HS), RB Jakob Galloway (Banning HS), WR Justin Lockhart (Junipero Serra HS), OL James McNorton (Liberty HS), LB Jordan Pollard (Faith Lutheran HS)
WR Charles Ross (Culver City HS), LB Matthew Tago (Quartz Hill HS), DL Jairus Satele (St. John Bosco HS), DB Hunter Nowell (St. John Bosco HS), LB Alexander Cobbs (St. Anthony HS), LB Brady Van Bennekum (West Ranch HS), DL Vaka Hansen (St. John Bosco HS) and WR Nicholas Williams (Quartz Hill HS).
The Obvious: With each home game, the Trojans will have promotions and recognitions.
The Not So Obvious: For the Trojans’ season opener, game promotions include USC’s Hero of the Game presentation and a “flyover” prior to kickoff.
Trojans fans in the Coliseum will be treated to another flyover before Saturday’s kickoff between USC and San Jose State.
(Photo above by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images)
The Obvious: This is Week 0 of the 2023 Pac-12 schedule.
The Not So Obvious: Below is the lone game, kickoff time, and TV network.
Saturday – Aug. 26
San Jose State at USC (5 p.m. PT/Pac-12 Network)
The Obvious: On Monday, the Trojans hired former University of Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen to be its new AD, and “Jen” will be in attendance for the Trojans’ football opener in the Coliseum against San Jose State.
The Not So Obvious: Speaking about Cohen’s hire to USC, former UW quarterback great and television football analyst Brock Huard on his Seattle radio show said, “That brand (USC) going to the Big Ten, and it’s going to be probably – I don’t know the numbers, but I’m gonna guess – double her pay. At least, she was not one of the high-paid ADs. They did not take care of her in that way, just being point blank. And I think USC knows what they’re getting and went after it and had to get the right person at this time after firing (former AD) Mike Bohn, which was a colossal disaster.
“A lot of the upheaval that they have been in, you look at her track record of (former UW football coach) Chris Peterson, of moving on from (former UW football coach) Jimmy Lake in a hurry when it was wrong, of hiring Kalen DeBoer. You know, her hires in many of the Olympic sports have been home runs, and she is a go-getter, man. … She’s on the Playoff committee. She’s respected on a national level. And she is now going to get an immense, immense payday, which she deserves.”
Recently named USC athletic director Jennifer Cohen will be at Saturday’s Trojans home opener against San Jose State.
(screenshot of USC livestream)
The Obvious: And finally, “Inside the Trojans’ Huddle” is WeAreSC’s video/podcast panel show that airs each Tuesday during the football season.
The Not So Obvious: In Tuesday’s edition of “Inside the Trojans’ Huddle”, panelists Marc Kulkin, Erik McKinney, Chris Arledge, and Greg Katz analyzed the hiring of new USC athletic director Jennifer “Jen” Cohen, previewed the San Jose State opener, answered Big Ten lightning round predictions, Week O game predictions, viewers’ questions and panel answers, and more.
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