The keys to Stanford upsetting USC in Week 2

When looking at USC when they played against Rice in Week 1, the Trojans were giving up yards on the ground. The run of course being something the Cardinal excelled with during their game against Colgate, lead by E.J. Smith's 118-yards and two touchdowns. Rice was able to run the ball when they went to a jumbo package,  rushing for 146-yards behind Cameron Montgomery's 99-yard yards on only six carries. If Stanford wants to upset the Trojans, they must rely on their star running back E.J. Smith to carry the load and break down what appears to be the weakness of USC's defense. The run opportunities will be there for the Cardinal.

The quarterbacks on both teams are likely going to be one of the main keys to determine if their team wins or not. Depending on if Stanford can can continue to have a strong passing attack like we saw against Colgate, it very well could be the difference between them winning or losing. Stanford quarterback Tanner McKee, who some project as a first round quarterback, must have a big game. Against Colgate, McKee was almost perfect outside of his pass that got intercepted early in the second half. He completed 22-of-27 passes throwing for 308-yards and two touchdowns. He looked the best he has since arriving to Stanford, and the Cardinal will continue to rely on him to continue his high level of play. He was able to lead an explosive last week against a lesser opponent, and he needs to show that it is something he can do against a top team like USC. 

Stanford's big problem against Colgate was taking care of the ball. However, the issues are very fixable as two of their four turnovers were on punt return. While did muff four punts, but head coach David Shaw addressed those issues when speaking to the media and expressed his confidence that it won't happen again. One turnover was on E.J. Smith, and then there was the interception by Tanner McKee. If Stanford takes care of the ball they will be able to compete with USC, who doesn't need any extra help in terms of having offensive possessions. All turnovers are fixable, this shouldn't worry the Cardinal fans too much unless it persists. 

A big part of the key to success for Stanford and what I view as the most important, is the defense. Stanford must play disciplined defense, and prevent USC's offense from making explosive plays. If they can limit USC to just 3 explosive plays they will be in a great situation to compete for the upset. An explosive play from my perspective, is any rush play that goes for twelve or more yards and any pass play that goes for twenty or more. The defense must also get after USC quarterback Caleb Williams. If they can sack him 3 or more times, which they did show an improved pass rush against Colgate with two sacks and seven hurries, they can win this game. Defense will be legitimately tested for the first time this season in their new scheme, so we will see if it really is working as well as it seemed to be against Colgate.