USC Football: Lincoln Riley & The Trojans Brace for Stanford's Primary Offensive Threat
After the USC Trojans took down the Nevada Wolf Pack this past weekend, they moved their record to 2-0 on the season. It was an impressive victory for them, but one that they needed to help tune them up.
Every year, teams schedule weaker opponents in the first week or two of the season so they can use it to fine-tune some things before the heavier competition starts. The Trojans passed their first test, but they finally open play in the Pac-12 Conference this week.
The Stanford Cardinal will be coming to the LA Coliseum for a date with the Trojans, and while Stanford isn't on the same level as USC, they can't overlook them. Stanford will give the Trojans their own set of challenges, starting with the bread and butter of their offense, which is the tight end position.
Head coach Lincoln Riley spoke about this on his weekly appearance on the Trojans Live radio show. Riley knows that in order to get the win this week, the Trojans' defense will need to step up.
“The great tight ends are challenging and we obviously played a couple of really good ones last year," Riley said. "This guy we’re going to play Saturday is really good. He’s certainly one of the best tight ends we’ll play all year. Being able to contain him will be a big key to this game.”
The Cardinal are known historically for their great tight ends, and this team's current version is no different. Their main guy is Benjamin Yurosek, who can cause major issues for this USC defense.
Last week, he put up nine catches for 128 yards and a touchdown against The University of Hawaii. USC will need to always locate him on the field; otherwise, it could be a long game for their defense.
Stanford comes into this game after defeating Hawaii in their first contest by a score of 37-24. They would love nothing more than to spoil the Trojans season, so USC should be on the lookout.
