By Craig Fields
Game Info
#20 Fresno State Bulldogs vs #25 USC Trojans
Saturday – December 21 – 2:30 PM
TV: ABC
Sam Boyd Stadium – Las Vegas
Significance: The Fresno State Bulldogs will be looking to capture their 12th win of the season, which would be a school record. The USC Trojans, however, have been resilient all season long and look capture their 10th win, their first since 2011. Replacement interim head coach Clay Helton will be on the sidelines for the Trojans as USC goes into the bowl game with their third head coach of the season.
#20 Fresno State Bulldogs
If the Bulldogs get their 12th win of the season, there is little doubt that it will have to come from the arm of quarterback Derek Carr who leads the nation with 48 passing touchdowns, and 4,866 passing yards. The hands that have led to such lofty numbers from the quarterback are the ones attached to the record breaking wide receiver trio of Davante Adams, Isaiah Burse and Josh Harper. Carr, heading an offense that averages 43.5 points a game, is extremely accurate; completing 70.1 percent of his passes with only seven interceptions this season.
#25 USC Trojans
With the current coaching turmoil that this program is in, the ability of this program to maintain a #25 ranking and relevancy speaks volumes. The Trojans will showcase a defense that was second overall in the PAC-12. They will showcase a front seven that is filled with NFL potential. The main worry of this defense is the secondary that, while talented, has been inconsistent this season. The front seven will have to be creative and get pressure on the Bulldog quarterback, who is known for getting the ball out quickly.
