Following the embarrassing loss to the Oregon Ducks in Week 4, it seemed the season was in dire shape for the USC Trojans. A few weeks later, the landscape has changed. USC football now has new life and a great opportunity after its week off. Here is exactly how the Julian Sayin injury affects the Ohio State versus USC game:
Jayden Maiava will be the undisputed best quarterback on the field
Jayden Maiava, as he has in the majority of the games this season, will now be the best quarterback on the field against Ohio State. This game will be in his hands, whether or not USC wins. If he can have success against the Buckeyes' dominant defense, USC will dictate the game.
This may be the best way to neutralize Jeremiah Smith
Jeremiah Smith is the best player in college football. If Sayin were able to play in this game, you can guarantee Smith would have a field day against
the Trojans. The Indiana Hoosiers did a great job limiting Smith, but the best way to take him out of the game is for his own quarterback to struggle. I do not expect freshman Luke Fahey to have the best rapport with Smith, and the freshmen's inexperience will cause Smith to have a respectable game against USC.
Veteran coach Gary Patterson should be able take advantage of young quarterback
Freshman quarterback Luke Fahey has a ton of talent surrounding him. However, Gary Patterson, with all the experience he has, should be able to draw up a successful game plan against Fahey. This game could come down to experience and matchups. Gary Patterson has to ensure Fahey shows his age in this game. This will be a great opportunity to show why adding Gary Patterson was the right move to make in the offseason.
The Buckeyes' offense could become one-dimensional
The Buckeyes' extremely explosive offense will be a lot easier to stop if the Trojans only have to worry about the run game. USC will force Fahey to struggle, and the Buckeyes will lean on Bo Jackson and the rest of the running back room to find success. That is where the Trojans' defensive front has to show up. Jahkeem Stewart and a healthy Jide Abasiri could prove to be the biggest X-factors for this game. If they can be stout against the run, there is no chance the Buckeyes can compete with the Trojans' offense.
The Trojans have as good a shot as any to knock off the Ohio State Buckeyes
Prior to the end of this week, the Trojans were very likely to lose against Ohio State. Now, without starting quarterback Julian Sayin, the Buckeyes have to recalibrate. This injury has created a ripple effect of opportunities USC can take advantage of. This is the best chance USC is ever going to get to knock off a title favorite under Lincoln Riley. The Trojans cannot let this chance slip.
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This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: 5 ways Julian Sayin injury changes USC football odds vs Ohio State
