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Quarterback, Cody Kessler, led USC to its first victory in the Coach Sarkisian era, with a pounding of Fresno State at the Coliseum on Saturday.
Sark’s high-tempo offense shined, was fun to watch, and gave the players the confidence to make things happen on the field. The defense played strong and loose, intercepting passes, keeping their penalties to a minimum, and stifling the opponent’s ability to mount any sort of surge.
Perhaps most impressively, this team looked inspired. Despite a week of yet more annoying controversy after enduring the most tumultuous season in recent memory last year, and in the wake of debilitating sanctions, there was a clear sense of a “fresh start” in the air. You could see it in their smiles after a touchdown. You could feel it in their crushing tackles. And you sensed their confidence building in their swagger.
They are going to need every ounce of it.
Heading to Stanford in just their second game of the season next week, the timing is either going to be unfortunate, or fortuitous.
The Cardinal will be the clear favorite, with a veteran core and a proven system that has had them in the conversation of National Championship potential for the last several years. They will be at home, and they will be fired up.
But if there’s ever a chance to steal a victory against a team like Stanford, it’s now at the start while they haven’t really been tested. Their 45-0 obliteration of the UC Davis Aggies was hardly any barometer of their potential. USC, with a new coach and a new system, has a chance to catch them off guard. Stanford should be the team with everything to prove.
If USC can carry their offensive momentum to the Farm, rack up enough points to keep up the pressure, and sneak away with a win, this could be the start of a very special season indeed.