A not-so-funny thing happened to Southern California a week after the Trojans won at then-No. 13 Stanford.
Under new coach Steve Sarkisian, the Trojans received a rude wake-up call Sept. 13: Boston College 37, Southern California 31. Talk about a slap in the face.
“Guys on the team realized that we can’t expect to just walk in and win,” USC junior quarterback Cody Kessler said in a phone interview Thursday. “We have to come prepared and stay focused.”
Although Southern California (4-2, 3-1 Pac-12) lost a late lead to Arizona State two weeks later, don’t look now but the Trojans sit alone in first place in the Pac-12’s South Division. USC will host Colorado (2-4, 0-3) on Saturday in a 4 p.m. homecoming game (Pac-12 Network) at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
“There are signs, flashes, that we’re getting back to where we need to be, and that’s to play at a high level,” Kessler said.
Southern California is battling through one of the most severe penalties ever levied against a college athletic department. Stemming from an investigation that began in 2006 regarding improper benefits accepted by Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, the NCAA slapped a four-year probation on the football program, with sanctions that included three years of reduced scholarships.
Last December, USC took only 44 scholarship players (41 below the NCAA maximum) to the Las Vegas Bowl. But with Kessler throwing for career bests of 345 yards and four touchdowns, the Trojans overwhelmed Fresno State and star quarterback Derek Carr 45-20.
The NCAA probation officially ended June 10, and this will be the final season with USC being limited to 75 scholarship players, 10 below the max.
Under Sarkisian, USC’s trademark pro-style offense has been tweaked. Kessler is taking snaps from the shotgun, rather than being primarily under center as he was in previous years. The tempo between plays is faster, with a high percentage of no-huddle calls. And some elements of a “West Coast” offense are evident, with shorter passes to receivers. That allows them to gain yards after the catch rather than having Kessler throw deep passes down the field.
Before coaching five seasons at Washington, Sarkisian had been the offensive coordinator at USC under Pete Carroll.
“We’re doing what offenses have evolved to — getting passes quickly to the right guys,” Kessler said.
Southern California romped 47-29 over Colorado last fall in Boulder. Kessler passed for 184 yards and two touchdowns in a relatively stress-free outing (USC led 37-7 after three quarters). But he expects to see a different Colorado defense Saturday.
“On tape, they look like a really smart defense; you hardly ever see them out of position,” Kessler said. “They do some things to try to confuse you, so we’re going to have to read our keys.
“One thing our coaches have told us is, Colorado players have a great motor. They never let up, even in the fourth quarter.”
Tom Kensler: tkensler@denverpost.com or
