The USC Trojans take on the BYU Cougars on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, as the Trojans come off an impressive win over the Stanford Cardinals. USC won the game 45-20 and totaled 492 yards and 23 first downs.
The Cougars come into the game 1-1 after a double-overtime victory against Tennessee last Saturday. Here are five players to watch for USC on Saturday.
Kedon Slovis – Quarterback
Kedon Slovis made his first start last Saturday against Stanford, he threw for 377 yards and completed 28 out of 33 passes. That is a completion percentage of 82.9 percent. Slovis also tossed three touchdown passes in the win. Slovis is poised to have an excellent game against BYU Cougars Saturday with all the speed and depth at the receiver position.
Tyler Vaughns – Wide Receiver
Tyler Vaughns has been USC’s best receiver so far in the first two games; he has totaled 256 yards on 16 catches so far this season. Vaughns is a sure-handed receiver that Kedon Slovis will look for to make the crucial catches. He ranks first in the PAC-12 in receptions and ninth in the country in receiving yards.
Vavae Malepeai – Running Back
The BYU Cougars are struggling to stop the run so far this season; they are giving up 252 rushing yards per game. Vavae Malepeai leads the Trojans in rushing with 176 yards on 35 carries. Also, he averages five yards per rush and has three rushing touchdowns. Look for Malepeai to rush for a lot of yards against BYU to give the Trojans a balanced attack.
Drake Jackson – Defensive End
With defensive end Christian Rector being a game-time decision, it will be up to freshman Drake Jackson to create pressure on the quarterback. Jackson has six tackles and a half of a sack on the season. This game against BYU will be a good chance for Jackson to go off.
Olaijah Griffin – Cornerback
Olaijah Griffin had a great game against Stanford, he had four pass breakups, and two came in the end zone on the same drive. He will need to have a solid game again going up against a good passing attack in the BYU Cougars. Cougars receiver Micah Simon is having a pretty good year; Griffin will be called upon to slow him down.
LaVell Edwards Stadium, Home Of The BYU Cougars. Photo Credit: Ken Lund – Under Creative Commons License