GAME PREVIEW: USC
ner whose freshman numbers as an
all‑around player were similar to Jack‑
son's in 2014 — but the USC sophomore
hasn't seen as many reps on offense so
far as some thought he might.
"It's not his fault with the preseason
talk; the hype was based on him play‑
ing a big role on the offense as well and
he hasn't been given that yet," Swanson
said. "He did play that role in the Ari‑
zona State game, though, so it could be
coming.
"At cornerback he's been solid. He
has gotten beat a couple of times, but I
still consider him a really high‑quality
cornerback. I'd go as far as to say one of
the best in the country. Then when he
did get his chance on offense against Ar‑
izona State, he catches an 80‑yard touch‑
down pass and had some big returns on
special teams. When he does finally get
that opportunity regularly, he'll live up
to that hype."
Looking at the entire picture, USC's
roster is clearly loaded with talent.
Swanson doesn't predict a blowout like
last year's 49‑14 Trojan win in Los Ange‑
les, but he does like USC to pull off the
road win over the Irish.
"I think it's going to be a close game,"
Swanson said. "I think USC could pull it
off on the road, even though I think that
wouldn't be expected. Notre Dame just
lost to Clemson, but that was a top‑15
team and a loss on the road in crazy
conditions.
"So I'd expect Notre Dame to be fa‑
vored, but I could see USC pulling it off. I
think USC's defense, while it hasn't been
incredibly strong, I think it could give
Notre Dame some issues with their talent
— like slowing down the Irish receivers.
"I think USC has the offense where
they're going to move the ball on almost
anybody, and it will give them a chance
in any game. So I think it will be close,
but I'd take USC by a couple points or a
field goal." ✦
Sophomore Adoree' Jackson is USC's first three-
way player in nearly 20 years, starring at corner-
back, wide receiver and kick/punt returner.
PHOTO COURTESY USC
