USC O-line Continues To Be Work-In-Progress
by Garry Paskwietz
When glancing at the USC stat sheet from the season opener against Arkansas State, it would be easy to look at the five sacks given up by the Trojans and think it reflected directly on the offensive line.
Without looking to excuse that number (five sacks is never a desired stat) it can be a bit deceiving in terms of judging how the line played in the game.
USC coach Steve Sarkisian was quick to point out that there were issues with running backs not picking up the correct defender in pass protection and with senior quarterback Cody Kessler not getting rid of the ball at times when he had the opportunity.
That’s not to say the line pitched a shutout in terms of giving up sacks, as there were instances when protection did break down up front. But while the Trojans gave up five sacks in the first half, they didn’t give up any in the second half after having the opportunity to make adjustments to the defensive scheme.
Click here to read the full story at the ESPN USC blog
