USC Trojans

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USC heads north to face Cal

Golden Bears looking to get back on track after two consecutive losses

Updated: October 11, 2011, 11:33 AM ET
By Erik McKinney | WeAreSC.com
After becoming the latest victim of the Oregon Ducks' second-half offensive onslaught, the California Golden Bears (3-2 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) will look to rebound in a Thursday night game against the USC Trojans (4-1, 2-1). California is riding a two-game losing streak and is hoping AT&T Park can serve as a home away from home as Cal tries to climb out of the Pac-12 North basement.

Offense
•Scoring offense: 36.6 points per game (No. 32 overall, No. 5 Pac-12) •Passing offense: 300.4 yards per game (No. 19 overall, No. 4 Pac-12) •Rushing offense: 157.6 yards per game (No. 57 overall, No. 4 Pac-12) •Total offense: 458 yards per game (No. 25 overall, No. 4 Pac-12)

Quarterback: No. 15 Zach Maynard (6-foot-2, 190 pounds, Jr.)
Maynard won the quarterback competition this season after transferring from Buffalo, where he threw for 2,694 yards and 18 touchdowns against 15 interceptions as a sophomore. In five games as the Golden Bears starter, Maynard has thrown for 1,291 yards and an impressive 11-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But his accuracy has been an issue, as he is completing only slightly more than 50 percent of his passes. The left-hander has shown an ability to make plays if he gets out of the pocket, but he doesn't pose a huge threat as a runner. Most of his rushing yards came on a 43-yard scamper in the first game, and he has been sacked seven times.

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Erik McKinney | email

Reporter, RecruitingNation
  • Covers recruiting in the West
  • Joined ESPN in 2009

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