Ed Orgerons Trojans aiming for a new deal against Stanford USC, coming off big win at Cal, this week faces No. 5 Stanford, which has won last four meetings. ESPN GameDay will be on campus. print Comments 89 Email Share 57 Josh Shaw USCs Josh Shaw celebrates after returning a blocked punt for a touchdown in Saturdays win over California. The Trojans face a much tougher challenge this week against Stanford. (Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images / November 9, 2013) USC football: Fullback Soma Vainuku making big blocks USC football: Fullback Soma Vainuku making big blocks Trojans rout Cal but crack only a fraction of the Bay Area code Trojans rout Cal but crack only a fraction of the Bay Area code USC disposes of Cal with some open-field drumming USC disposes of Cal with some open-field drumming End of BCS cant come soon enough for Pac-12 End of BCS cant come soon enough for Pac-12 BCS standings: Alabama, Florida State hold top two spots BCS standings: Alabama, Florida State hold top two spots By Gary Klein November 10, 2013, 9:40 p.m. USC has not defeated Stanford since 2008, a four-game losing streak that began with the infamous Whats your deal? blowout at the Coliseum and continued with last seasons loss at Stanford Stadium. Ed Orgeron, the Trojans interim coach, has been a part of the last three games, including the Trojans triple-overtime loss at the Coliseum two years ago. On Sunday, Orgeron reviewed last years 21-14 defeat, and also took stock of another physical Cardinal team that moved up to No. 5 in the polls and No. 4 in the Bowl Championship Series standings. You have to fight with them toe to toe, Orgeron said during a teleconference with reporters. You need a complete game. Stanford is 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the Pac-12 Conference after defeating Oregon, 26-20, last Thursday. USC improved to 7-3 overall, 4-2 in the Pac-12 and 4-1 under Orgeron with a 62-28 victory at California. The effort did not push the Trojans into the Top 25, but they did garner votes. They will have a national stage to make their case when they play Stanford at the Coliseum on Saturday. ESPNs College GameDay show will originate from USC. Its good for the university, its great for recruiting, its great for the crowd, Orgeron said. Orgeron again praised USCs offensive line and described the punt return unit as superb after the Trojans tied an NCAA record by returning three punts for touchdowns against Cal. One of the punts was blocked. The Trojans first-unit defense played OK, Orgeron said. The defense will be bolstered against Stanford if end Leonard Williams returns from a shoulder injury that kept him sidelined against Cal. Orgeron said the sophomore is expected to play Saturday. Tailback Silas Redd, however, is questionable because of a knee injury suffered against Cal. If Redd does not play, and Tre Madden remains sidelined because of a hamstring injury, Javorius Allen and freshman Ty Isaac would be the only available scholarship tailbacks. Trojans players sounded confident after the victory over Cal. We handled our business, and Stanford is coming off a big win, freshman safety Sua Cravens said. Weve got momentum rolling. Its going to be a great game. Said junior tight end Xavier Grimble: Man, I just love college football. Youre going to get a great opportunity to play against a great team in a great atmosphere — thats what its all about. Two-way threat After UCLA linebacker Myles Jack helped the Bruins to victory over Arizona by also starring at running back, Orgeron was asked if he would consider playing Cravens on offense as well. We think he has enough on his plate, Orgeron said. I wouldnt mind him doing that in the near future if hes willing to do it. I just dont think we can afford to do it right now. Quick hits The Trojans have not lost a fumble in 179 rushing attempts in their last five games, Orgeron said. . . . Kicker Andre Heidari missed a field-goal try and an extra-point attempt against Cal. Orgeron acknowledged concern about the junior, but said there had been no thought of reopening the kicking competition again. Its always a concern when we dont make the kicks were supposed to, he said.
Posted on: Wed, 13 Nov 2013 22:03:28 +0000
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