Let’s go back to the beginning of the season. All the way back to the start of the USC Trojans‘ fall camp. The uproar, the worry, the fans and media members expressing their concerns about the offensive line.
How good is Killian O’Connor?, What if Elijah Paige goes down?, Is a J’Onre Reed a transfer flop? Everyone had questions. Luckily, for the USC Trojans, Zach Hanson had the answers. Coach Hanson is the assistant head coach for offense/offensive line coach for USC. As the Trojans prepare for the Fighting Irish as which can be called a College Football Playoff elimination game. Fans & Media members alike have turned their worries to praise for the Trojans’ offensive line and the man in charge of it.
Let’s take a look at some of the things I have observed watching the Trojans in the trenches.
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USC Offensive Line Playing as One
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On film, no matter who is in the game, the Trojans’ offensive linemen have the correct hand placement. Holding penalties can be drive killers, and not only has the Trojan OL not been flagged for many holding penalties, but the hand placement has been so good that they haven’t been in a position to be close to getting one. This group plays as one.
I had an OL coach once tell me that playing OL is like having a perfect dance partner, and you have to play together like you’re on a string. On Film, you see very few missteps by this OL. They look like they have been playing together for years.
Center Of Attention
USC had a decision to make at center. It was Killian O’Connor vs. J’Onre Reed. All the outside noise said this was a shoo-in for Reed, the former Syracuse Center who had more experience. Reed was also one of SC’s big transfers in the portal.
But O’Connor won the job outright. And Hanson did what all coaches should do: play the best guy. He did and the USC offensive line was better for it.
But that’s not the end of the story. You name a starter, but you also have to make sure the Reed is ready to go, just in case of injury. Killian O’Connor did get injured in the Illinois game. While a Reed eligible man downfield penalty cost the Trojans a touchdown. And they were a couple of wide snaps by Reed. SC rallied and almost came out with the win. Reed continues to be the center while O’Connor is hurt and has played very well.
Turning the Paige
Everyone can remember when Elijah Paige was walking to practice, and the video of him went viral. Pat McAfee called the video an AI edit and claimed Paige must be 8 ft tall. He’s more like 6’7 and 320 lbs, but you get the picture: the man is huge. Not only is he huge, but he’s an uber-talented left tackle who has the eye of NFL scouts. His injury during the home win vs Michigan State had the Trojans worried. But like they have all year, USC didn’t miss a beat.
Watching the game from home, I didn’t even realize he was out of the game. As team Hanson continued to play together as one and shone again.
Running Away
USC fans have been screaming from the mountaintops for USC to run the ball more. Coach Riley has leaned on the running game more than in past years, and fans love watching these talented running backs go. They can go and get to the open holes untouched many times until they get to the second level because the boys up front understand the assignment. So whether it’s GT or GH counter inside zone or outside zone runs.
The synergy between the running backs and this line has led to some explosive runs, but the likes of Bryan Jackson 4.6 yards per carry, King Miller 10.70 Yards Per Carry, Waymond Jordan 6.50 yards per carry, and Eli Sanders 5.60. SC’s Offensive Line will continue to be tested vs the Fighting Irish as the Trojans enter the contest 9.5 point underdogs in South Bend.
My Prediction for the game is:
USC 31 Notre Dame 35