Week 2: Idaho Vandals vs. USC Trojans
When: Saturday, September 12, 7:00 PM CT
Where: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California
Conferences: Sun Belt Conference - Pac-12 Conference
Coaches: Paul Petrino (2-22), Steve Sarkisian (44-33)
TV: Pac-12 Network
Radio: ESPNLA 710AM, KFXD 630 AM
All-time Series: USC leads 8-0
Web Sites: govandals.com, usctrojans.com
What to expect when USC has the ball: It was a less than impressive performance for the Trojans offensive line, allowing five sacks last week against the Red Wolves. However, this group is still one of the best in the Pac-12, if not the country. Two freshmen All-Americans from 2014, and potential Rimington favorite Max Tuerk anchor the line, and while they did falter and bend against the A-State D, a bounce-back performance against the Vandals wouldn't be surprising.
Tre Madden and Ronald Jones II paced the USC rushing attack with a combined 18 carries for 192 yards. While Madden seems to be the choice as RB1, Jones can be a solid second choice out of the backfield, or Justin Davis when he makes his debut against the Vandals on Saturday. When the Trojans aren't running the ball, expect Cody Kessler to continue to air it out like he did last week against A-State (19/26, 236 yards, 4 TDs), now with a new number one target in JuJu Smith.
What to expect when Idaho has the ball: Dezmon Epps.
I don't want to be mean, but that's about it.
The Senior WR missed all of the 2014 season, and came out looking to make up for lost time. He hauled in 15 catches for 160 yards in the loss. He was really the only offensive threat for the Vandals in their loss to Ohio last week. Matt Linehan hit 75% of his passes, but threw two picks to the Bobcats.
Update: Dezmon Epps is now suspended for the USC game after being ID'd in an Aug. Shoplifting incident:
BREAKING: Idaho WR Dezmon Epps, suspended for Saturday's game at USC. Epps was ID'd in Aug shoplifting incident today pic.twitter.com/y2YD7y5iXh
There wasn't a dominant rushing attack for Idaho either. Three RBs combined for just 100 yards for just 3.6 yards a carry.
The Vandals have few offensive weapons, so unless they wake up early in their contest with USC, this one will be over quick.
Prediction: This game will be very one-sided. The Trojans were able to hang 55 points on one of the better teams from the Sun Belt, take a second and imagine what they will do against one of the worst teams from that same conference. USC isn't losing this one. USC 59, Idaho 17
