Southern California @ Minnesota preview
Huntington Bank Stadium
It’s probably not a good strategy to look for a bounce-back game against visiting Southern Cal. But that’s what Minnesota, stunned by South Dakota a week ago, is seeking when the two teams play Saturday for the first time in 30 years.
USC (2-0) leads the series 4-1-1 and has won its last 10 games against Big Ten opposition. In their last meeting in 1980, No. 5 USC rode Marcus Allen to a 24-7 win in Minneapolis.
On paper the game appears to be a laugher, especially in light of Minnesota’s 41-38 loss to South Dakota. But on the other hand, Southern Cal wasn’t overly impressive in a 17-14 win against a Virginia team that is picked for the second division of the ACC.
Southern Cal’s offense revolves around quarterback Matt Barkley, who a year ago became the first freshman to start at the position. Barkley has thrown for 459 yards and seven touchdowns, giving him a scoring pass in each of his last 10 games.
Tailback Marc Tyler, who was hampered by a toe injury last year, has rushed for 221 yards and one touchdown.
The Southern Cal offense could find the going a bit easier against Minnesota’s marshmallow defense, which returns only two starters from 2009. The Golden Gophers have allowed an average of 381 yards (No. 82 in the nation) and 29 points (No. 88).
Although the defense is considered quite athletic, it lacks veteran leadership. The two most experienced defenders haven’t played: safety Kim Royston has yet to return from a broken leg suffered in the spring and safety Kyle Theret was suspended indefinitely in the spring.
The bright spot on defense last week was junior defensive tackle Jewhan Edwards, who had three tackles, all of them for loss (a career best), and a sack.
Minnesota (1-1) will try to get its offense started behind quarterback Adam Weber, who has thrown for 408 yards and three touchdowns, but who also lost two fumbles against South Dakota. Duane Bennett has rushed for 291 yards (a 6.1 yard average) and scored two touchdowns to lead the club.
USC returns six defensive starters, including linebackers Chris Galippo and Malcolm Smith (18 tackles), and tackle Jurrell Casey, who has 14 tackles, two for loss, and one sack. The Trojans like to apply pressure, ranking No. 17 in the nation in sacks. Wes Horton leads the team with two sacks and 3.5 tackles behind the line.
The game will be a homecoming for USC coach Lane Kiffin, who spent his teenage years in the area while his father was an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings.
Southern Cal is back on the road again next week at Washington State. Minnesota remains at home to play Northern Illinois.