If the No. 21 Stanford Cardinal are going to upset the No. 2 USC Trojans on Saturday they are likely going need a strong performance from their secondary. Stanford's defensive backs face the difficult challenge of trying to stop USC's wide receiver duo of Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
Through two games this season, Lee and Woods have combined for 37 catches, 398 yards and eight receiving touchdowns. Stopping them would be a challenge for any secondary, but Stanford won't rely on one or two players. Instead the Cardinal will rotate cornerbacks to keep fresh players on the field.
"You've got to go in with your guns loaded," said Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason, according to SFGate.com. "These guys are explosive. The games with SC have been long, so you have to make sure you stay fresh."
The Stanford defense is also putting an emphasis on gang-tackling this week in an effort to limit the yards Woods and Lee gain when they do catch the ball. Last season against Stanford, the USC duo combined for 16 catches and 183 yards.
Talk about the game with Stanford football fans at Rule of Tree, and USC football fans at Conquest Chronicles.