Big Game Preview: USC Trojans vs. Washington Huskies

When I think of the USC Trojans, I think of the most talented team overall in the country. A team filled with future NFL players, the Trojans have some real superstars. With only one loss this season, many fans would consider this to be a great accomplishment for their team, but too much of the Trojan fan base, and many other fans around the country, the Trojans have had a disappointing season thus far. The Trojans were expected to knock the SEC of the pedestal this year and win a national championship (I certainly thought they would), but with an early loss to Stanford, those hopes look grim at best. However, if the Trojans win out and accomplish this in a big way, I could see them still contending for a national championship. BUT first, these Trojans have to get by the stingy and scrappy Washington Huskies. Here's my positional preview on the big game between the Trojans and Dawgs.

Offense
QB- Trojans- Matt Barkley is a surefire, top-ten, first round NFL draft pick this year. Probably even top five. He has all the tools you want in a QB and just gets the job done. Keith Price is a solid QB as well, but nobody matches up to the level of Matt Barkley in the conference, maybe even the nation (besides you, of course, Geno Smith). The Dawgs D will have a tough time, to say the least, with Barkley. Key Player: All-Around superstar Matt Barkley

Matt Barkley looks to lead the Trojans past the Huskies on Saturday.

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images



RB- Huskies- This may come as a surprise to some people. You may ask how Silas Redd and Curtis McNeal aren't more skilled than little old Bishop Sankey, but in my opinion, Sankey is the back of the future for the Dawgs. He has had three straight 100-yard rushing games and even though one of those games was against Portland State, Sankey has proved his worth to the Husky offense with other great performances against Oregon and Stanford. With Keith Price struggling, Sankey is a precious commodity. Key Player: Little, but tough, Bishop Sankey

WR- Trojans- I mean what more can be said about Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. I've stated in previous posts that the Huskies won't face many teams with a better receiver than Kasen Williams, but the Trojans have two of those guys in Woods and Lee. Both, like Barkley, are surefire, first round NFL talent and when both are eligble (Woods after this year, Lee in two years) you can be sure they will have huge impacts on their NFL teams. There is only one Desmond Trufant on the Huskies, but two superstars on the Trojans. Trufant can only cover one. Good luck, Dez. Key Player: Trackstar Marqise Lee

Marqise Lee makes a leeping catch against ASU. You could see this happen again Saturday.

Norm Hall/Getty Images North America

TE- Huskies- ASJ got dinged up last week against the Ducks and that's the only reason why the Dawgs hold a slight advantage over the Trojans in this position battle, rather than a large advantage. The Trojans have two formidable tight ends in Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer, but they don't match the size and skill of ASJ. If he is healthy, look for ASJ to be a key factor in this game. He could mean the difference between a win and a loss. Key Player: Bully on the playground, Austin Seferian-Jenkins

Austin Seferian-Jenkins' play will be key to a Huskies victory.

http://dailyuw.com/news/2011/sep/29/football-notebook/

OL- Trojans- With Khaled Holmes back and feeling 100%, the Trojans line will be led by an All-Conference caliber player in Holmes. Both lines, the Dawgs and the Trojans, have senior leaders at center, but more of the skill being on the Trojans side. The Huskies line has been getting better and better as more chemistry and experience have improved the entire line's skill. However, I still think that the consistency and skill of the Trojan line out matches the young UW line. Key Player: DJ Khaled Holmes

Overall Offense- Trojans- The Huskies offense has been disspointing this year, to say the least. Not to say that the Trojans offense has been all that people thought it would be, but they still have one of the best attacks in the country, even if they only mustered up 14 points against Stanford. They will look to shred the Dawgs defense with Barkley, Woods and Lee and find their way back on the path to the national championship. Key Player: Trackstar Marqise Lee

Defense
DL-Trojans- The Trojans have got some big boys up front. Lead by the sudden emergence of Morgan Breslin, the Trojans defensive line has been solid all year. I think they may get a little over hyped and it will show in the fact that the Dawgs offensive line will finally be able to protect Keith Price. The Dawgs have Josh Shirley and Danny Shelton, but that doesn't match the skill of the entire Trojan line. Key Player: Big man with the speed, Morgan Breslin

LB- Huskies- This year, Travis Feeney has been a huge surprise for the Dawgs, along with Thomas Tutogi. Both of these strong, quick young guys have been all over the field recently, after not even being considered as players who would have a big role in games this season. One of the reasons why the Dawgs were able to stuff up the run against Stanford was because of this linebacking crew. USC's backers aren't as skilled as our Dawgs' core. Key Player: The tarantula, Travis Feeney

DB- Huskies- With the surge of the stellar play of Desmond Trufant, not many secondaries will be as skilled as the Huskies. The trio of Trufant, Shaq Thompson, and Sean Parker have lots of skill between themselves and will attempt to contain Robert Woods and Marqise Lee Saturday. I think this will be a very tall task, but in the end, in my opinion, the secondary will be able to contain these superstar receivers. It could all depend on the play of Matt Barkley, but who knows, maybe Shaq will make a great INT just like last week and effect the game tremendously. Shaq will need to be on his game Saturday for the Dawgs to have a chance. Key Player: The five star, Shaq Thompson

Shaq Thompson will look to be a force on defense to slow down Marqise Lee and Robert Woods.

Photo by Saskia Capell

Overall Defense- Huskies- I truly think that the Dawgs have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. While the Dawgs have a solid pass rush which may not be as skilled as the Trojans, the Dawgs have a better linebacking core and group of defensive backs than the Trojans and that is where the Dawgs will have the edge. However, if the Dawgs want any chance at a win, the secondary will have to be on their game. Key Player: The five star, Shaq Thompson

I really have gone back and forth with this pick. I've constantly said to myself a couple of things: The Trojans just had a bye week, but the Dawgs beat Stanford and the Trojans didn't! Hey maybe the Dawgs will pull it off! I mean the Dawgs do play amazing at home and are almost unbeatable, but the Trojans have one of the best offenses in the country... In the end, my prediction is that the Dawgs will come through with a victory. Keith Price will find his groove and with a balanced rushing attack of Bishop Sankey, look for this offense to be clicking on all cylinders come Saturday. The defense will be motivated by the huge crowd and will support the offense in drastic ways. Dawgs win it, 30-24.

Thanks for reading and follow us on Twitter @seasportssoup! Like us on Facebook as well! Keep checking back for more updates.

Marshall

Big Game Preview: UW Huskies @ LSU Tigers

National exposure. Program changer. Recruiting impact. Top 25. Unbelievable. Amazing. Crazy. Almost impossible. Those are phrases and words that come to my mind when I think about one of the biggest games of the season and the Sark era. Every true Husky fan will be watching the game tomorrow, prime time on ESPN. Get your hot dogs, burgers, chips and salsa because it could be a long game, but thrilling as well.

The Vegas line on the game currently has UW losing by 24 points. That's truly absurd. The Huskies have proven themselves over the past two years and Coach Sark and KP17 won't let that happen. If the Dawgs lose, it'll be by less than 24. I'll bet you that. Players will step up with Callier, Riva and Chrichton out and will shock many viewers. In fact, it's time for the whole team to step it up. It's a statement game. It's time for a W. A big old fat one. Here's a preview of what will be on the field tomorrow night in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Following, are positions on each side of the ball and which team I think has the edge in each position.

DT-- LSU-- Montgomery and his boys will just obliterate our depleted line.
DE-- LSU-- The line is just to big and even though Shirley has been impressive for the Dawgs, the Tigers are just to good.
LB-- LSU-- These linebackers have experience in the SEC. Ours? Not a lot of experience, even in the PAC-12.
DB's-- UW-- Desmond Trufant was absolutely ballin in the SDSU game and showed he is truly the best defensive player on the team. Add Shaq Thompson and James Sample, along with Glenn and Shamburger, with Trufant, and then you've got a solid secondary. The loss of Tyrann Matthieu will prove to be to crucial for LSU.
ST-- LSU-- Having a former rugby player on your team as a punter, always helps. All-American punter could keep the Huskies in their own end of the field.
OL-- LSU-- Even with their starting LT out for the game, LSU still has a ton of big boys up front who can protect Zach Mettenberger.
QB-- UW-- Keith Price will be why the Huskies win if they do. He will have to be on point tomorrow and is definitely more experienced and more skilled than Mettenberger.
RB-- LSU-- The Tigers have three solid running backs who lead their offensive attack. With Callier out, UW will be hurting.
TE-- UW-- ASJ will be key. He is KP17's safety net and will have to do a little of everything in this game to help the team win. Basically has to be the Huskies savior besides a guy named Keith.
WR-- UW-- With Kasen Williams on the team, you always have one better wide receiver than the other teams best wideout. The kid is a baller and will be the big play threat that the Tigers will have to keep their eye on.

All this being said, I will stick to my previous prediction, but also will add a couple of points in UW's favor, as well as LSU's. I say 31-20 LSU takes it. However if the Dawgs can contain LSU's monster line, they could pull off a victory and it will rise them to be a national powerhouse. They will be circled on everyone's schedule and will be feared by many. There could be an upset brewing. Everyone watch out for these hungry Dawgs... I have faith in my boys.

Marshall

Thanks for reading and follow us on twitter @seasportssoup. Keep checking back for updates.

Death Valley- Previewing the Huskies First Six Games

The Huskies 2012 football team is up against a tall task, taller than any task Sark and his boys have faced in his four year tenure. Four of their first six opponents are ranked inside the top 21 teams in college football. A tall task for any team if you ask me. The Huskies have always setup their first games playing A, B, and C caliber teams so they can ease into the season and be ready for Pac-12 play. This year they are doing the same thing, playing their B game first against San Diego St., then the A game against the third ranked LSU Tigers in Death Valley and finally the C game against Portland State. After the trio of games and a needed bye week, the Huskies head into Pac-12 play. Usually the beginning of league play isn't to hard for the Dawgs, but this year they open up Pac-12 play against the three best teams in the league, the 21st ranked Stanford Cardinal, 5th ranked Oregon Ducks and finally against the number 1 team in the nation, the USC Trojans.

AP Photo/The Daily Herald, Jennifer Buchanan

The first game of the season shouldn't be to hard for a BCS conference team as these teams look to keep a clean record early on in the season. The Huskies should have an easy time with the Aztecs of San Diego State and should be 1-0 heading into one of their toughest matchups in Sark's era. Even though Tyrann Matthieu was kicked off the team this week for drug use, LSU still poses a huge threat to the Huskies. However, I think this game could be closer than most people think. With an already clear improvement within the defense in practices this early fall, the Huskies will have the tenacity to compete with a solid LSU offense. I think if the defense can contain the LSU offense throughout the entire game, limiting them to less than 30 points, the UW offense will be able to muster up 30 or more points. However, my biggest concern is the LSU defensive line. They are just too big and strong for our unstable O Line and KP17 could be finding his knee problems re-occurring during the game, due to all the times he will be sacked. In the end the LSU defense will prove to be to much to overcome for the Huskies offense and the LSU Tigers will secure a 30-17 victory over the Huskies.

After a tough loss in Death Valley, the Huskies will easily rebound against the Portland State Vikings and flex their muscles. They will head into their first bye week with a 2-1 record. During the bye week, the Huskies will rest up and mentally prepare for a grueling three week schedule, arguably a harder three week stretch than any other team in the nation. First up is the Stanford Cardinal, at home. The loss of Andrew Luck will prove to be to crucial for the Cardinal this season. The Cardinal defense has also been sub par in the past and their cornerbacks wont be fast and strong enough to cover and keep up with Kasen, James Johnson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins. Keith Price will absolutely shred their defense and on the other hand our improved defense will hold the Cardinal below 20 points. This will be a nice upset victory for the Dawgs, beating the Cardinal 31-20.

Heading into their fifth game of the season the Dawgs will be sittin' pretty at 3-1. However, they will run into a road block. A huge one at that. The stinkin' Oregon Ducks. The team any UW fan hates the most. Their fans are cocky and obnoxious and the only reason they are good is because of a rich Uncle they have named Phil. That being said, they are one of the best teams in the nation and the loss of Darron Thomas will help them to say the least. I never thought he was that good. I don't know why there was so much hoop-la surrounding such a mediocre quarterback when you have an even more talented one waiting in the wings. That would be Bryan Bennett. The kid placed in Oregon's offense will keep the UW defense on their heels and the Huskies won't know what hit them. Oregon will put a plethora of points up on the board and will do it FAST as well. KP17 should lead the offense to some nice scoring drives against a tough Oregon defense and put up plenty of points, but in a shootout, Oregon usually comes out victorious. In a battle of the offenses, Oregon wins it 45-31.

Following two tough, bone-wrenching games, all the Huskies have to do is come home and play the best team in the country: USC. Sounds easy right? The Trojans are my pick to win the national championship this year, but their toughest game of the year will come on August 13 at Century Link Field. Even though the Huskies will be beat up, they will pick themselves up when the Trojans come to town, just like they have in the past. Matt Barkley will win the Heisman this year, but I think the task at hand on this day will be insurmountable. The coaching staff will get the Huskies FIRED UP for this game against the Trojans and the defense will have their best performance all year, forcing turnovers left and right. The offense will be its usual self and will put up a solid amount of points on the board against a great defense. I'm predicting Sean Parker and Kasen Williams will have their biggest games all year against the Trojans. The fans will rush the field after this one and Sark will keep his streak of victories over USC at home alive. The Huskies will wreak havoc in front of many fans and recruits and will upset the Trojans with the final score being 24-14.

In my opinion, after those first six games and because of the experience they will gain of playing such good teams so early, the Huskies will remain unbeaten for the final six games on the schedule, bringing their season win loss total to 10-2. I know this is going out on a limb here, but the Huskies new defense should prepare the team for a big year and will help them out more than any other year in the Sark era. The offense will have a banner year, even better than last year with KP17, Kasen and ASJ leading the way. I feel like Sark's fourth year will prove to be a special one, showing his new coaching hires were the best moves he's made yet.

From a high school student's perspective, you hope the Huskies can upset all the big name teams, but you know that's not going to happen. You hope to see under a head coach's fourth year, vast improvement within the team and that's what I think you get in 2012. I'm already looking forward to next years recruiting class as well as it should be a top-20 class. The Huskies will surprise many people this year. I feel a Rose Bowl berth in the making sometime in the near future. Maybe not this year, but in 2013, the whole country better watch out for the Washington Huskies.

Thanks for reading and follow us on twitter @seasportsoup. More to come soon and check for updates.

Marshall