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USC football: Ready to pull an all-McKnight-er
November 11th, 2009, 11:00 am · 7 Comments · posted by Michael Lev, staff writer
If you go to or watch USC-Stanford on Saturday, don’t be surprised if a game of “Where’s Joe?” breaks out.
By playing a variety of roles, Joe McKnight should have an even bigger role than usual.
Damian Williams‘ likely absence because of a sprained ankle means McKnight will be the punt returner and probably means he will play more in the slot and out wide - in addition to his usual tailback duties.
“I’m excited,” McKnight said. “Whatever the coaches give me, I’ve just go to go out there and execute my plays like everybody else on the team.”
McKnight isn’t like anybody else on the team.
He’s a tailback by trade but runs routes like a wideout.
“I view him as another receiver out there,” quarterback Matt Barkley said.
McKnight ranks second on the team in receptions, but he has just 17 - less than two per game and less than I and others envisioned with all the talk about McKnight finally playing a Reggie Bush-like role this season.
USC oddly went away from using McKnight in that way for a while. Even if Williams weren’t hurt, why wouldn’t you want McKnight on the field at the same time as Allen Bradford?
“Joe works at his stuff every week, his route-running and all that,” USC coach Pete Carroll said. “Sometimes we get a chance to get it in there, sometimes we don’t. We’d like to keep Joe really active in this game and be a big part of it.”
If he is, the answer to “Where’s Joe?” could be the end zone.
More from the USC blog:
- USC football: The Trojans must stay grounded
- USC football: Barkley says it starts with him
- USC football: Anthony McCoy cleared to practice
- How USC has helped Stanford
- USC football: Williams will not practice Tuesday
- Carroll: Stanford Pac-10’s most physical team
- USC football: Offense hasn’t been all it can be
- Poll: What’s wrong with USC’s offense?
- USC football: If Damian Williams is out …
- USC football: McCoy knows time is running out
- USC football: Damian Williams iffy for Stanford
7 Comments
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Yes about time. The offense needs to apply Pete’s rule on defense that the best 11 play. Our backup WRs and TEs haven’t stepped up into their starting roles so let’s play 3 RBs and both FBs. Great speed and better hands anyway.
i sure hope you’re right and they find a way to get mcknight the ball, including through the air.
McKnight in the slot would be perfect for the offense. They have to double team he and Rojo because of speed and playmaking abilities. I don’t know what took them all season to figure this one out. Let Bradford and CJ carry the ball.
It’s probably because Bates doesn’t want people to think he’s using Joe like Chow did Reggie. As you can see, Bates’ offense has been so dominant. I mean, just ask SJSU.
I highly doubt they’ll double team Joe and Rojo, otherwise you’d have to many other guys uncovered coming out of the back field.
It’ll be a nice change. Let’s hope Bark can throw a pass within 1-2 yards of his receivers this week. Harbaugh is going to let his D loose to try and rattle Matt, so a quick strike offense will be needed.
InTheZone… Why do you guys have to be so pessimistic about the team? Ok, so we’re having an off year.. We will revover.. We have had alot of injuries to key players at critical times of the season. No one wants to give PC time to gel things. We have a new OC with inexperienced linebackers.. Give it some time.. This is going to prime us for that title shot next season. With teams emerging like Stanford, Zona, Ore St and Oregon, no one can call the Pac 10 a weak conference any longer. Next season, we have an experienced QB with experienced linebackers and some good RB’s. I believe we will re-emerge as that “Inferno” everyone is use to us being..
McKnight in the slot? What a novel concept. Not! Where has this been all season?
Anyone noticed that McKnight ISN’T that fast?? He doesn’t have breakaway speed, and when he’s in the open field, he’s not a threat to break open a run. He’s quick, but not fast. Big difference.