23 Oct
Kiffin proves doubters(me included) wrong with win at nd
Well….do I have egg on my face. Coach Kiffin proved alot of people wrong(me at the top of the list) and had his most impressive win as head coach of the trojans. Notre Dame did everything but wear the green jerseys: First night game in 20+ years, biggest recruiting trip ever at notre dame, handed out towels, played Ozzy before 3rd downs…and yet the fighting irish did very little fighting. USC looked very prepared.
Offense:
They kept the notre dame defense off balance almost the entire game. The game was swinging a little bit at the end of the first half and the start of the second half but USC kepting churning those first downs and surprisingly with the run game. The tight ends played big, I saw Farmer in the game and he didnt get the ball!!!, as a matter of fact it was a fake toss sweep and Woods was open at the back of the end zone. Excellent playcalling by Kiffin. Woods had a very quiet 10+ catch, 100+ yards game, 2 Touchdown game!! Curtis and Tyler had a great game as well..but the game ball goes to Barkley. His best game he has ever played as a Trojan so far. He has had better passing numbers, better touchdown numbers..but never has he played as mistake free football as he did last night. He looked every bit the 3 year starter. Great decision after great decision. The best stat line of the game..2 penalities and no turnovers…
Defense:
What can you say about a unit that has been beat up since last season. Pretty much shut out their star receiver who was bigger and stronger than our corners. I would have never believed it if you told me that before the start of the game. They played discipline, controlled, smart and opportunistic football. A heads up play on all three turn overs. Starlings fumble return for a touchdown was tremendous..a 14 pt switch..most likely. Lady luck was not with the irish last night in south bend..Again..a heady play by a 5th year senior linebacker in the second fumble. And 5 8 Robely undecuts the route against 6 3 Floyd..wow..The defense faltered a little on the start of the second half but held together at the end.
The only glaring blemish was the kickoff return for a touchdown. That could have been much bigger than it was. Huge momentum switch.
Congrats to the entire coaching staff and the players on a great win. Both Kiffins and Barkley have been getting killed and I very happy for them. I still think Kiffin should get an experienced OC and that the defense should be simplified but for one night they looked like the Trojans of old.
I often get asked if not Kiffin who? And I have always answered that even though Kiffin has his flaws he is the right coach at USC at the right time. He might be the best long term answer but what program on probation, barely ranked gets College Game Day to come their house??? Kudos to coach Kiffin…Beat the Farm!!
