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USC 102nd in KO return defense; Kick it in the end zone?

  • USC was trying to put its KOs high and into the corner inside the five yard line in 2011. As a result USC was 102nd in KO return yardage defense.

    The Trojans were awful defending KO returns..

    John Baxter has such a good reputation somethings get overlooked. "If you have a reputation as an early riser you can sleep until noon."

    Baxter is a great STs coach, but USC gave opposing teams a lot of good field position to start their drives with after Trojan TDs last year. STs yardage is hidden, but it is real yardage and often makes a difference in winning or losing.

    USC did some good things on special teams but not defending the return of KOs.

    It wasn't working and they had two kicks returned for TDs. Most teams will just put the ball in the end zone this year and let the opposing offense get the ball at the 25 yards line. The rule change allows Hedari to kick it in the end zone. But he wasn't sure what USC might do with the football.

    Hedari said the Trojans may continue to kick it in the corner. That is not going to happen against Oregon and Thomas.

    Hedari was booming the ball all during the spring.

    oldtimescfan


  • Man, what a great athletic play Hedari made to get just enough of DAT's ankle to bring him down on the next kickoff (I believe, but maybe it was before the TD- can't remember). If not for that play by Hedari, MeTony Tommy might have returned 2 for TD's that night.

    Perhaps the most under the radar play of the year in terms of how important that tackle
    was and how little pub it got. IMO

    NcaaAssassinG13

  • NcaaAssassinG13 said...

    Man, what a great athletic play Hedari made to get just enough of DAT's ankle to bring him down on the next kickoff (I believe, but maybe it was before the TD- can't remember). If not for that play by Hedari, MeTony Tommy might have returned 2 for TD's that night.

    Perhaps the most under the radar play of the year in terms of how important that tackle was and how little pub it got. IMO

    Yeah, Hedari displayed a pretty dang good burst in the pursuit of Thomas...he manage to gain little or no separation on him. I like the moxie of that young man! BTW, I'm inclined to believe he may have made the play on Thomas during the KR he took for six if it he hadn't been blocked.

    However, I am with SCOT on this one.....if Hedari can boot it into the zone, then by all means do so--I'm sure the team can live with the average opponents FOP being their own 20 yard line.

    This post was edited by MdatrojaninE on 6/21/2012 at 10:02 AM

    MdatrojaninE

  • KO returns for TDs are bad karma.

    The are multipliers of disaster. I hate them. They are to be avoided at all costs.

    oldtimescfan

  • I'd love to force teams to go 80 yards against our D now. Especially with them knowing they have to get TDs and not settle for FGs

    Heavincent129856

  • oldtimescfan said...

    KO returns for TDs are bad karma.

    The are multipliers of disaster. I hate them. They are to be avoided at all costs.

    Well they ended being pretty good Karma for SC last year. Won both games in which kickoffs were returned for TD's against us (Notre Dame and Oregon).

    But I agree, that was the only thing I was truly disappointed in last years team. However, I will say that those Kick returns for TD's were given up to two of the fastest players in College football today (George Atkinson III and De'anthony Thomas). Not saying it should be an excuse, but It is difficult to deal with that type of speed.

    me9rob

  • Heavin-cent said...

    I'd love to force teams to go 80 yards against our D now. Especially with them knowing they have to get TDs and not settle for FGs

    75 yards. Touchbacks now go to the 25 yard line to encourage more TB's and decrease returns by the receiving team.

    zabba

  • With another year of experience and some very talented RS players who will hit the filed this season, while adding-in the fast and strong recruits coming in who will play ST as freshmen, that 102nd ranking will be more than cut in half...easily.

    Coach Bax is a stud, and never fails to improve the portion of the team he oversees.

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    Gone Fishin'....

    Trojan Conquest ●

  • Baxter does so many things for USC football. His work with the players academics gets recruits on the team and helps keeps players eligible. Most of all it gives the players a future and a plan.

    Baxter would love to have a roster of 85 scholarship players to work with. Half way through the season coverage teams can get a little thin when you're below 70 scholarship players that can suit up and play. Some players can play but not on special teams. They are just too banged up to do both or to practice both during the season.

    oldtimescfan

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