Players to Watch

Javorius Allen, running back (USC): Allen was one of my breakout players in the spring after a solid end to the 2013 season.  The junior has picked up where he left off and has tallied 287 yards and a touchdown on 45 carries with 154 coming in the Week 2 win over Stanford.  He is just the outlet the Trojans need on offense to ensure the passing game flows.

Nelson Agholor, wide receiver (USC): Agholor is the big-play wide receiver that USC appear to always have on their roster.  He is averaging seven catcher per game through two games and,  despite averaging just over ten yards per catch,  it is testament to his ability that he is still receiving the ball despite defenses zoning in on him.

Tyler Murphy, quarterback (BC): Murphy is the first quarterback to start for Boston College since 2010 when Chase Rettig stepped into the role.  He is extremely mobile which help him escape pressure and make plays on the ground but his passing abilities also have to be honored.

Justin Simmons, defensive back (BC): The Eagles have an extremely inexperienced defensive unit but Simmons is standing head and shoulders above the rest.  Through two games he has a team leading 10 tackles plus a sack,  an interception and a pass break up.

Trojans’ Offense Vs Eagles’ Defense

From the players to watch above we know the Trojans have weapons in both the run and passing game.  Alongside Agholor there are three other receivers with at least five catches including Juju Smith who is averaging 24.2 yards per reception.  Cody Kessler has started the season well and showed good poise in last week’s win over Stanford.

The Boston defense needs to force turnovers if it is to remain close enough to challenge the visitors in the final quarter of the game.  Mike Strizak is a sophomore linebacker who looks ready to lead the defense and they will need his playmaking abilities if there is to be an upset.

Trojans’ Defense Vs Eagles’ Offense

Slowing down Tyler Murphy on the ground will be priority number one for Steve Sarkisian’s men.  Hayes Pullard is expected to miss the first half of the contest after being ejected in the second half of the Stanford win due to a targeting penalty.  Michael Hutchings took his place and performed admirably.  Versatile safety Su’a Cravens can play deep center fielder or come up into the box which makes him incredibly important when adjusting to opposing offenses play calling.

Murphy has made a number of good plays thus far in 2014 but his 52% completion percentage and 2:3 touchdown to interception ratio is not a pre-requisite to winning games.  Sophomore running back Tyler Rouse has started the season well and it is time for him to see more of the ball.

Game Preview

USC come into the contest full of confidence and will be huge favorites over the rebuilding Boston College.  Sarkisian appears to have done a wonderful job preparing his squad and putting them in contention for the post-season.  

Implications

As you can gather from the preview,  USC have everything to lose when they play inferior opponents and must dispatch games like this with ease if they are to impress enough to be given top-four consideration.

Prediction

With such an impressive win over Stanford in the rear-view mirror,  Boston College will present a much lesser challenge. USC 45-13 BC