Reeling USC aims to avoid falling below .500
Defending Pac-12 Conference champion USC, in the span of two weeks, tumbled from controlling its own fate in the league title hunt, to playing for bowl eligibility.
Back-to-back South-division losses at Utah and last week vs. Arizona State have the Trojans stumbling into the final month of the regular season — and making changes.
Coach Clay Helton announced Monday that he is taking over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator Tee Martin. Martin, also the wide receivers coach, will remain on staff and help with the game plan, although offensive line coach Neil Callaway has been let go.
Running backs coach Tim Drevno will take over the offensive line while continuing to coach the running backs with help from graduate assistants.
“I felt it was an appropriate time to become more involved in the offense as we continue to develop our team for the future,” Helton said in a statement.
“Tee and I have had conversations about this decision and he was supportive. He has done a tremendous job here. He will stay involved with the offense as he remains the offensive coordinator, helps put together our practice and game plans and serves as my offensive eyes during games.
“I want to thank Neil for all his hard work at USC. He is an outstanding coach and a great friend. I wish him nothing but the best in the future.”
Saturday’s game at Oregon State marks the first time in 17 years that USC (4-4, 3-3 Pac-12) begins November with a record not above .500, and the failed comeback effort last Saturday was the program’s first home loss under coach Helton.
This week’s visit to Reser Stadium may be pivotal, not just for the 2018 season, but for the direction of the program for the immediate future.
“When we get done with these last four games, I’ll evaluate everything and see what we need to do,” Helton said on Sunday. “Right now, I’m more focused on trying to beat Oregon State.”
In a bit of role reversal, Oregon State (2-6, 1-4) comes into Saturday’s meeting off a win — the program’s first in conference play since 2016.
The Beavers rallied from a four-touchdown deficit at Colorado, then shook off a blocked extra-point attempt that would have won it in regulation, for a 41-34 overtime victory.
Oregon State’s stunning upset of Colorado — coupled with USC’s loss and Utah’s 41-10 rout of UCLA on Friday — dramatically altered the complexion of the South-division race. Utah, USC, Colorado and UCLA were all tied atop the loss column going into Week 9; the Utes now occupy first place on their own.
USC still has a conceivable path back to the Pac-12 Championship Game but must win its final three conference games, while Utah drops two of its last three … and Arizona State loses once more.
Meanwhile, the Trojans embark on this home-stretch run with lingering injury questions plaguing the roster.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Jack Sears made his debut against Arizona State, starting in place of JT Daniels and first reserve Matt Fink. Helton said on Sunday that if doctors clear Daniels — who was held out due to a concussion — the true freshman will start.
Sears went 20-of-28 passing with two touchdowns in the loss, and the USC rushing attack improved mightily over back-to-back sub-100-yard outings vs. Colorado and at Utah.
However, the absences of linebackers Porter Gustin and Cameron Smith loomed large. The 41 and 38 points USC yielded in the two consecutive losses are season highs. The defense faces the Pac-12’s leader in rushing yards (1,034) and touchdowns (12) this week in Oregon State freshman Jermar Jefferson.