CSU Review/BYU Preview

Now that is how the Trojans play football! In front of the second largest opening day crowd in USC history (85,000+) and the largest opening day crowd since 1981, the USC Trojans simply dominated the CSU Rams 49-0. The Trojans were clicking on all cylinders, particularly the running game with USC garnering over 320 yards rushing. Leading the way was Lendale White, who rushed for over 120 yards and three touchdowns, including this one in the first quarter.



The tailgate got off to a great start as well, also setting an opening day attendance record We had about 30-35 people show up, with a good mix of old school tailgate veterans and some fresh new faces. Thanks to everyone for attending! Tailgate tidbits:

• The best news from the tailgate is that we will be setting up in our traditional spot on the corner of Menlo and Leighton for the rest of the year. To get that corner spot, the tailgate will need to be set up at least 5.5 hours before kick off.
• Andy and Clare fought through numerous technical difficulties to successfully set up the DirectTV using a mixture of advanced geometry (Clare) and exceptional alcohol-aided creativity (Andy). The satellite can be very fickle so make sure to thank Andy when you see that TV working! It was worth the hassle to watch the Irish "wake the echoes" in the second half to beat Michigan.
• Liz took charge of early cooking duties, standing over a hot grill in 92 degree heat to make those tasty turkey burgers and sausages while the rest of us watched TV in the shade with a cocktail. Thanks Liz! We will give some thought to a different menu for the next game...suggestions welcome.
• The group finished a keg before kickoff and the keg will make another appearance for the Cal tailgate on October 9th. The technical issues with the jockey box have been solved. We will ensure that beer will be available post game in the future. Thanks to Aaron Wooler for providing the keg and jockey box.
• The new and expanded bar set up was a success and will continue to be enhanced. Look for some themed drinks at the Cal game.
• A very successful start to the tailgate season....next home tailgate on October 9th vs Cal. Game time is TBD, but our sources tell us it is likely a 12:30 kickoff, which means breakfast will be served.

Game Notes/BYU Preview

• Several freshman made significant plays in the CSU game including Dwayne Jarrett with this TD catch, Eric Wright with an interception and Jeff Schweiger with a sack, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble.
  
  
• Jeff Byers, a freshman center, played extensively in the second half and will likely get some work at guard this week in an attempt to move into the starting OL.
• Manuel Wright simply dominated the 4th quarter from his defensive tackle position, recording a sack, a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery for a TD all in the 4th quarter.
• RB Herschel Dennis has been reinstated for the BYU game and should help a very strong USC RB unit.
• BYU played the Trojans tough at the Coliseum last year and will present a very stiff challenge to the Trojans this week in Provo.
• BYU plays an unconventional 3-3-5 defense which is based on confusing blitz packages to stuff running lanes and put pressure on the QB. Matt Leinart threw 3 interceptions against the Cougars last year.
• BYU beat Notre Dame and Notre Dame beat a #7 ranked Michigan team, so BYU has proven they can play....particularly at home.
• BYU TE Daniel Coats is a big time player and really hurt the Trojans last year. QB John Beck is a scrambler and running QB's have given the Trojans trouble in the past (see Va Tech)
• The Cougars have not shown much consistency on offense, with a limited running game and a passing game dependent on the deep ball. If the Trojans can limit big plays, USC will likely limit the Cougars scoring, but the real test will be if USC can move the ball against BYU, something the Trojans struggled to do last year.

Thanks again for everyone who made it to the tailgate, we hope to see everyone again on October 9th at the Coliseum. Detailed info to come later.

Fight On!