Balance Critical For USC Offense
by Garry Paskwietz
The numbers so far for the USC offense are pretty impressive.
Through two games, the Trojans have averaged 57 points, 623 yards and nine yards per play. There have been eight touchdowns rushing, seven touchdowns passing. And they have converted 100 percent of the opportunities in the red zone, including nine of 10 touchdowns with one field goal.
It’s hard to imagine things going much better for Trojans offensive coordinator Clay Helton since he took over play calling duties from Steve Sarkisian prior to the start of the season. Sure, the first two opponents from the Sun Belt conference figured to give up big stats to a USC offense with so many weapons, but it’s always important to actually go out and execute in a game situation.
Perhaps no stat indicates the success the Trojans have had with the rhythm and flow of the offense than the fact that they have rushed the ball 69 times, and passed the ball 69 times. It’s one thing to preach balance, yet Helton has put an early stamp on the notion of spreading the ball around, maintaining the up-tempo style that is so important to Sarkisian, and still sticking to the core principle of a run-first system that sets up the pass.
Click here to read the full story at the ESPN USC blog
