| USC vs. Nebraska
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Offense Notes Date - September 15, 2007 Location - Lincoln Nebraska Result - USC 49 Nebraska 31 I had a pretty good feeling that USC would be able to handle Nebraska coming into the game. I watched the Cornhuskers struggle somewhat against Wake Forrest a week ago and had a pretty high level of confidence after that close game. Nebraska had to replace its starting front four from a year ago and that is always a tough challenge. Wake Forrest ran for over 230 yards against the Cornhuskers and I thought that USC would put up a total in that neighborhood as well. (Note: I made a video clip of about a dozen or so runs of Wake Forrest versus Nebraska. I'll put it towards the bottom for anyone interested. That game probably gave the USC coaching staff some good ideas on how to attack Nebraska up front.) This was a very good victory for USC offensively. It answered a few questions, and clarified a few more areas of improvement for the upcoming weeks in Pac 10 play. I'll move onto the defense in a couple of days where there was more room for improvement. On offense here is a summary of a few items worth checking after most games. How USC Scored
As I mentioned last week it surprises most people to learn that 24 points per game is the average number of points scored the past few years when USC is starting on their own side of the field. Of course some games have more points and some have less, but *on average* USC scores about 22-24 points per game when starting on its own side of the field (excluding 2005). The difference for USC since 2002 has always been made up by short field scoring opportunities created by the defense (after turnovers) or in some cases great returns by special teams play. This game followed that trend with 4 long field scores for 28 points and 3 short field scores for 21 points. The short field scores versus Nebraska came as a direct result of 2 interceptions by USC and one semi-lucky special teams play when Malcolm Smith picked up a fumbled kick return and took it down to the Cornhuskers 45 yard line. On the flip side USC dodged a bullet when Desmond Reed bobbled a kick return and nearly gave Nebraska the ball inside the USC 10 yard line. Of such small things games will be probably be decided later in the year in Pac-10 play. I'll make up a new chart in a few weeks with 2007 YTD included. After two weeks however the 2007 squad is averaging 26 long field points per game. This favors well with previous seasons and only lags the incredible 2005 squad in this regard.  For the USC coaches I have to guess that this game was reassuring as the Trojans were able to generate the aforementioned short field points off of turnovers. For a more detailed look at the effect turnovers have on scoring you can see this comparison (Click Here) for 2003 versus 2006 as well as some comments by Pete Carroll. I also did the same check for other years and it was the exact same type of result. Here are some other key stats from the game worth noting: Key Stats Check
USC Overall Offensive Stats
In addition to the overall above stats it is usually useful to look at the first 15 plays of the game and see what the coaches learned. The first 15 or so plays are scripted each week in anticipation of the opponent. I'll skip the formations for simplicity but in general USC was 4 of 9 passing for 30 yards to start the game versus Nebraska. The Trojans also ran 6 times and gained 100 yards rushing. At that point you could expect the coaches to switch to the run and they did just that. 10 of the next 15 plays in the game were runs and continued to be effective. In the second half once the game was in hand the coaches also set out to cancel their tendencies (e.g. pass out of the run formations that had worked well, etc.). This is pretty standard practice for any team with a lead. What was unique about this game in hindsight was how effectively USC established the running game early on. In the past (excluding of course 2001, the early part of 2002, and most of 2006) USC has usually wore down the opponent and ran effectively later in the game. Credit should really go to the offensive line players and Coach Ruel for a wonderful job this week in my opinion. The running backs of course did well also and will get the majority of the attention. I was happy to see Stafon Johnson have a break out game. As noted above this was obviously a great game for the USC rush attack. The coaches indicated multiple times during the summer that improving the run game (click here) of the game was a priority after finishing a mere 68th in the country last season at 128 yards per game and 4.0 yards per carry. USC currently ranks #6 in the nation at 263.5 rushing yards per game. This current level matches the total rush yard average that the 2005 squad maintained for a full season. Judging by the first two games I'd have to say the team has made healthy progress in this area. A word of caution is in order however. After three games last year USC was averaging 178 yards per game running. The remainder of the year it fell off to just 113 yards per game and under 4 yards per carry. The injury to the fullbacks and youth at running back were a couple of obvious contributors. Injuries, stronger opponents, and different defensive schemes can still affect this year as well but this is a heck of a start for 2007. Below is a histogram of the USC rushing attack and how it mapped out. The 10 big runs of more than 10 yards had a huge effect on the game.  The 38 runs were mostly inside zone blocking runs to the middle with the tailback option to follow the blocks or cut back. I will paste a couple sample pictures below that were featured on the broadcast. In addition there were some toss plays, isolation lead draw plays, and power off tackle plays as well for the Trojans. The offensive line had a very effective day blocking the Cornhuskers up front. In terms of overall direction the vast majority of the run success was up the middle for the Trojans. 179 of the 313 yards were gained between the tackles. A more detailed breakdown by gap is not possible without the behind view from the end zone cameras. USC seemed to attack all gaps strong side A, B, C, and weak side A, B, C equally. That will give opponents something to have to work on to stop the run game. The huge success in the running game probably contributed to the less effective passing game for USC. There were 30 passes in the game with 19 completions by John David Booty for a 63.3% completion rate. There were no interceptions and there was the normal case of 1 batted down ball at the line of scrimmage. USC's wide receivers seemed to have somewhat of an off game and dropped what would have been several good receptions for more yardage. JDB also overthrew a couple of men down field on longer pass plays. Here is a Histogram and then a Passing Grid of USC's passes in the game.  This highlights that for the second consecutive week the majority of the throws in the game were very short in nature. There were a couple of good shots taken down field in the first half but they were either overthrown or in one case dropped by the wide receiver. I sort of expect that the staff will attempt to throw more down field in the next two weeks now that the running game is off to a good start. Passing Grid  USC used a normal mix of 3 step drops, 5 step drops, a few play action passes and a couple of roll outs. The short passing game consisted mainly of passes that fall into the quick out, swing pass, or flare type of category out to the flats. There were several quick hitch plays, screen passes, and a couple of slant type passes. Last week the short middle of the field gave Booty trouble for some reason. This week it was the deeper balls thrown to the left and middle of the field. Nebraska has an experienced secondary and played well in coverage with no obvious breakdowns like they did in the Wake Forrest game. With new receivers for USC I sort of expect this might continue for a couple of weeks until they get their timing down better. Also as teams now start to worry more about the USC rush attack this will probably help open up things down field even more. That development will be interesting to watch unfold the next couple of weeks. JDB once again did have his *average* of 1 pass batted down in the game. This is on track to match last years total of 12 or so and just what I have sampled Matt Leinart at in 2003 and 2004. On a more positive note JDB did move the ball around nicely in terms of using his receivers. 10 different players caught a pass for USC overall which is a nice sign. Eventually one or two will need to step up and become primary targets as the season progresses. Fred Davis, David Ausberry, Patrick Turner, and Stanley Havili each caught three to share top honors. Brad Walker had two receptions. Ronald Johnson, Vidal Hazelton, Anthony McCoy, Joe McKnight, and Stafon Johnson each caught one. By position that makes for 10 to the WR's, 5 to the RB's, and 4 to the TE's. Offensive by Downs & Run versus Pass
As you can see from this breakdown this was a very balanced attack for USC overall. The run plays were more successful but still in the second half the coaches came back to the passing game and worked on some counter plays (passing out of formations where USC had run in the first half, etc.) and practicing some base passing plays for the future. This was an extremely successful game for USC on first and second down run plays. USC also spent half the game (34 of 68 plays) on first down plays and the majority of the rest were second down plays. That trend won't continue all season but it was a nice way to conduct the first road game of 2007.
As you can see by this further breakdown the Trojan offense had incredible success on first and second down running the football. I can't recall ever seeing a USC game in recent history where the averages running the ball on first second and third down were all higher than the passing averages for first second and third down. USC Offense by Situation
This table breaks down the offense by situation and how USC attacked Nebraska in general by down and distance. Once again it was a very balanced attack in terms of run pass by down and distance. No doubt there will be more emphasis put on the passing attack however in upcoming weeks to increase the yardage generated out of those plays. Pictures and Highlights Offensive Formations Here is a look at some of the different formations used by USC in most every game. Others were used as well. I'll post a couple each week for variety.
Havili 50 Yard Run Highlight
Basic Zone Run
Stafon Johnson Run Play
In terms of minor execution problems the following items did occur (as well as many other small items)
Other Notes & Reflections On Offense: Any win versus a ranked opponents on the road early in the season is a good win. On the offensive side of the ball USC appears to have found its rushing attack once again after struggling at times last season. The passing game still has a way to go and that will no doubt become a focus in upcoming weeks. There are questions on the defensive side of the ball as well especially in the pass defense realm. I'll rewatch the defensive series in another day or so and put up some notes and pictures when I get a chance. Here is a link (click here) to about a dozen run plays from the Wake Forrest game versus Nebraska. USC does not run out of the shotgun like Wake Forrest but the coaches probably noticed how the misdirection and the flanker motion was giving Nebraska trouble. Nebraska players probably prepared for sweeps, reverses, and end arounds after being exposed somewhat by Wake. USC took advantage of this by using motion and misdirection to distract Nebraska on a few run plays and yet still stick with their own inside zone run game up the middle. I think the motion was effective but probably not as much as the announcers played it up during the game. Several big runs by USC came with no man in motion at all. I'd give the game ball to the entire USC offensive line after this game. I'll put up some notes on the defense in a day or two when time allows. |
