The Huddle: No. 9 USC vs Cal
It’s Homecoming at USC and the No. 9 USC Trojans (7-1, 5-1) are set to host the Cal Golden Bears (3-5, 1-5) at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday night at 7:30. The Trojans are looking to stay alive in the race for the Pac-12 championship while the Golden Bears are looking to snap a four-game losing streak. Check out The Huddle for all the news, notes, names and numbers you need to watch your USC Trojans take on Cal.
The Last Meeting
USC’s 2021 season came to an end with a 24-14 loss in Berkeley. The Trojans outgained the Golden Bears 409 -265 but USC lost two fumbles (one of which was returned for a touchdown) and missed two field goals. Michael Jackson III led the Trojans with six receptions for 73 yards. Kyle Ford caught five passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. USC finished the season on a four-game losing streak. That game was rescheduled to Dec. 4 and played the day after the Pac-12 Championship Game.
The USC – Cal Series
This will be the 109th time USC and Cal face off against each other and the last time they do so in the Coliseum as conference rivals. USC is 15-2 against Cal since the 2004 season, but Cal has won two of the past three meetings. Overall, USC is 71-32-5 against Cal.
Injured Trojans to Watch
USC played against Arizona last week without a number of injured starters and contributors. Wide receiver Jordan Addison was injured against Utah and missed the game. Fellow receiver Mario Williams went through warmups but didn’t feel healthy enough to play. Offensive guard Andrew Vorhees sat out with an injury. Linebackers Eric Gentry and Ralen Goforth both missed the game. And rush end Korey Foreman wasn’t available either.
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Riley said this week his gut feeling was that a few of the injured players would be back. He stopped short of making any predictions on who would play and who wouldn’t.
Backups Stepped Up
With some heavy contributors out, USC turned to the bench of reinforcements. Offensive tackle Mason Murphy stepped in at right tackle and played very well in his first start. Safety Bryson Shaw wasn’t exactly an injury replacement. But against the Arizona attack and also down several linebackers, USC largely went to a Dime defense with six defensive backs. Shaw saw the most defensive snaps he has all season and responded by making seven tackles and recording an interception. He was named the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.
Cal’s Quarterback Situation
It’s unclear what Cal’s quarterback situation is right now due to injury and the Golden Bears’ previous game. USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said the Trojans will prepare for both Jack Plummer and Kai Millner. Plummer threw two interceptions against Oregon and has been knocked around all season. Millner played the entire fourth quarter last week and went 8-for-11 for 114 yards and two touchdowns. Though, the production mostly came against the Oregon backups.
