Coaching Points from the Battle of LA - USC vs. UCLA
Nov 19, 2022 3:32 pm
Coach ,
Rivalries usually start with some unique story. USC and UCLA's involves a bell.
They play for the “Victory Bell” The bell was given to the UCLA student body in 1939 as a gift from the school's alumni association. Members of a USC fraternity stole it in 1941.
A series of escalating pranks between the student bodies ensued until a compromise was reached and the bell became the trophy for the game. The winner of the annual football game keeps the Victory Bell for the next year, and paints it the school's color.
The USC and UCLA Rivalry takes on new meaning with each vying for a spot in the final four. Let’s preview the game and learn from some of the coaching points from each staff.
#6 USC Trojans
PFF loved the move by USC to hire Lincoln Riley, and he brought plenty of transfer talent in with him. QB Caleb Williams is an impact player on offense.
Southern Cal and DC Alex Grinch had a tall task as they looked to bring the defense from the bottom of the national rankings.
Coach Riley built upon what he did with the Sooners. That starts with having a plan for practice. Offensive success starts with being efficient and effective with the time you have. Coach Riley outlines how the week begins for them in this video (click on image for video):
Caleb Williams stepped right into the offense throwing routes he was familiar with at Oklahoma. One of Coach Riley’s favorites is the Air Raid staple, Y-Cross. He breaks down the basics of the route including the progression that Williams uses here (click on image for video):
On the defensive side Coach Grinch brought his defense into Southern California looking to turn things around for the Trojans. He shares what it’s built upon and why the defense works here (click on image for video):
#16 UCLA Bruins
The Bruins run the offense that Chip Kelley has become know for relying in the tempo and play concepts that have made his offenses top-performing in the past.
On the defensive side, getting to Caleb Williams can help the Bruins cause. They average 2.5 sacks per game.
It all starts with a great get off with speed by the defensive line and edge rushers. Ikaika Malloe, Outside Linebacker Coach explains how he teaches it here (click on image for video):
Here are the drills he uses every day to teach it. The little details that Coach Malloe points out will make a huge difference in getting the quarterback (click on the image for video):
The big rivalries start this weekend with some big traditional ones coming next week. Enjoy the games and have fun learning.
Always be growing!
Coach Grabowski
Here are some other key CoachesClinic Match-ups:
#21 Illinois HC LB DC at #3 Michigan ST
#13 Utah OL at #6 Oregon HC ST
#4 TCU HC DC WR at Baylor HC HC OC DC OL
#2 Ohio St DC at Maryland HC OL OC
#14 Penn State HC HC HC DC STC DB at Rutgers HC LB
#18 Texas HC HC OC/OL OC/OL WR DB ST at Kansas OC OC QB GM
#11 Ole Miss OC DC DC at Arkansas HC STC OL OL
Boston College DC at #20 Notre Dame ST ST
Georgia Tech HC at #15 North Carolina HC SC OC OC OC A A
#11 Ole Miss OC DC DC at Arkansas HC STC OL OL