[Mick]

Utes beat So. Utah. Actually, Utah State is pretty good and will be competitive with SC next week.

Utah State beat Weber State 45-6.  US had 428 yards rushing.  I don't care how bad a team's defense is, 428 yards is a lot.  Devante Mays rushed for 208 yards on 18 carries, and he's a load at 5'11", 230 pounds.  And they didn't fumble, not once.  They're reasonably disciplined at just 4 penalties and gave up just 245 yards.  They went to the Famous Idaho Potatl bowl last year (no kidding).

And USC lost to Alabama, 52-6.  They had 194 yards.  Alabama replaced their starter with a freshman quarterback.  How much do you think Kiffin enjoyed the score?  'Bama was ahead 44-6, then went for a TD on 4th and goal from the 2.

So here's what I wonder...They say the greatest improvement is from game 1 to game 2 in college football.  I think we all agree that Stanford has room to improve, though I daresay not as much as USC.  What will matter more, Stanford's two weeks off in which numerous starters were rested throughout the game, versus USC playing two straight games, presumably improving through both, but having the wear and tear against two straight challenging opponents?

I'm assuming USC will win a close game against Utah State, or they could pull a Washington State.  It will be interesting to see the opening line of both the USC v. Utah State and USC v. Stanford games.

[Mick]

Utes beat So. Utah. Actually, Utah State is pretty good and will be competitive with SC next week.

Utah State beat Weber State 45-6.  US had 428 yards rushing.  I don't care how bad a team's defense is, 428 yards is a lot.  Devante Mays rushed for 208 yards on 18 carries, and he's a load at 5'11", 230 pounds.  And they didn't fumble, not once.  They're reasonably disciplined at just 4 penalties and gave up just 245 yards.  They went to the Famous Idaho Potatl bowl last year (no kidding).

And USC lost to Alabama, 52-6.  They had 194 yards.  Alabama replaced their starter with a freshman quarterback.  How much do you think Kiffin enjoyed the score?  'Bama was ahead 44-6, then went for a TD on 4th and goal from the 2.

So here's what I wonder...They say the greatest improvement is from game 1 to game 2 in college football.  I think we all agree that Stanford has room to improve, though I daresay not as much as USC.  What will matter more, Stanford's two weeks off in which numerous starters were rested throughout the game, versus USC playing two straight games, presumably improving through both, but having the wear and tear against two straight challenging opponents?

I'm assuming USC will win a close game against Utah State, or they could pull a Washington State.  It will be interesting to see the opening line of both the USC v. Utah State and USC v. Stanford games.