USC could make personnel changes against 0-7 Arizona
USC, still seeking the right formula, could mix it up at quarterback, offensive line, defense back and running back
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — In the midst of a 3-4 start and its first two-game losing streak of the season, USC is fortunate to see the proverbial layup on its schedule this weekend to try to snap out of its funk.
But even against the 0-7 Arizona Wildcats, USC is looking to make some changes in a search for longer-term answers.
The most prominent shake-up could come at quarterback. Backup freshman Jaxson Dart is fully cleared to return this week after meniscus surgery kept him out the past four games. Three-year starter Kedon Slovis has maintained the job since then, but hasn’t exactly gotten a vote of confidence from interim head coach Donte Williams.
Still, the question remains whether Dart plays at all, let alone takes over as primary quarterback if Slovis struggles. The most likely scenario is a middle ground where Dart comes in in some short-yardage or red-zone situations to utilize his speed.
But there could be some more permanent changes coming this week.
The most likely is at right tackle, where Jalen McKenzie took most of the first-team snaps this week at practice after replacing starter Jonah Monheim mid-game against Notre Dame.
Offensive line coach Clay McGuire made clear this week at practice he believes in Monheim and his future. But the redshirt freshman struggled mightily in pass blocking against the Irish and USC wants to ensure it makes the best short-term decision at the position.
“Jalen went in there and did a really good job. Thought he pass protected well, did a better job on the edge,” McGuire said of the redshirt senior. “We just have to make sure we’re playing the right one at the right time.”
On the other side of the ball, freshman defensive backs Jaylin Smith and Prophet Brown earned some playing time against Notre Dame. USC defensive coordinator Todd Orlando was pleased with how they handled the environment of Notre Dame Stadium and the experience they gained in man coverage in a game setting.
Orlando expects to see more of them as the season progresses.
“We thought they did a really good job for really their first start in a big-time atmosphere,” Orlando said. “Prophet, I’m fired up about. He’s a guy who comes in day in, day out, doesn’t say much and just works. So he’s another guy that you’re going to start seeing a lot more.”
When Arizona has the ball
Like USC, Arizona could deploy a two-quarterback look Saturday at the Coliseum, but under different circumstances than USC.
Because of injuries to Gunner Cruz and Jordan McCloud, Arizona has had to move receiver Jamarye Joiner to quarterback to back up Will Plummer. Joiner played nine snaps in last weekend’s loss to Washington, primarily being used as the Wildcats’ wildcat option and rushing four times for 25 yards and a touchdown.
Given Arizona’s depth issues at quarterback, USC is expecting the Wildcats to run the ball early and often.
“Personnel grouping’s a little bit bigger, some two-back, some two-tight end, two-back, a little bit of a wildcat, running quarterback, so yeah, that’s what we anticipate, to sit there and slam the football at us,” Orlando said. “So we got to respond that way.”
When USC has the ball
The Trojans would like to rely more heavily on the run game this week after that portion of the offense helped USC mount its late comeback attempt against Notre Dame.
Against the Irish, Keaontay Ingram led USC with 24 carries and Darwin Barlow ran the ball four times. But Vavae Malepeai, the lead back the past two years, did not get a single carry or catch last weekend.
“The guy that goes out there and when he’s out there, it looks a little different, is the guy that’s going to play. I think Keaontay has shown that ability,” USC running backs coach Mike Jinks said. “That doesn’t mean I don’t have confidence in Darwin Barlow. That doesn’t mean I don’t have confidence in Vae. I think they know that. But I just think it’s important for a running back to get in a rhythm.”
ARIZONA (0-7, 0-4) at USC (3-4, 2-3)
When: Saturday, 4 p.m.
Where: L.A. Memorial Coliseum
TV/Radio: ESPNU / 790 AM
ocregister.com
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