Evaluating Silas Redd's Decision
By Michael Schneid
Penn State running back Silas Redd has decided to transfer from Penn State to USC. Due to the sanctions against PSU, players who transfer are eligible to play immediately. Redd will likely be penciled in as the number one running back week one against Hawaii.
What does it mean for both USC and Penn State? Well we look into the issue...
Why it means for USC
Redd will have an immediate impact for the Trojans. USC was always going to win between 10 and 12 games in 2012. Redd helps assure that. USC finished 51st in total rushing last season, averaging 162.6 yards per game. They finished 15th in passing yards and 16th in points for (35.8). Redd will allow Barkley's numbers to increase even more with the legit threat of a running game.
Curtis McNeal was projected as the USC starter but will take a back seat to Redd. They will likely share carries, at least in the beginning, but Redd will ultimately carry most of the load. Redd averaged about 12 more yards per game than McNeal and over 200 yards for the season. Redd's rushing yards may not increase too much as USC will remain a pass-first offense, but his touchdowns will certainly increase from seven.
The addition of Redd means USC may have an easier time winning games. It does not necessarily give them more wins as they were always going to be favorites in most, if not all, their games.
Adding Redd, also takes some pressure off Heisman-hopeful QB Matt Barkley. Barkley threw for over 3500+ yards and 39 TDs in 2011. He had two 1000 yard receivers - Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
Redd made the All-Big Ten Second team in 2011. Entering his junior season, Redd was projected, again as the second best running back (behind Montee Ball). In the PAC-12, Redd may very well be the top back in the conference.
With no bowl game or postseason for the immediate future, Redd jumps on the opportunity to not only play in a bowl game, but possibly in the National Championship game or Rose Bowl.
What it means to Penn State
This is a crushing blow to Penn State. We maintain, that Redd does not significantly increase USC's win total, but it does affect Penn State's win total.
Redd ran for 1241yards, and 7 TDs. Penn State averaged 19.3 points per game, 110th in country. They finished 96th in total passing yards. Penn State's two QBs combined for 10 TD passes, only three more than Redd ran for himself. Penn State had some miserable play from QBs Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. Redd, as a sophomore, was the focus point of the offense and was certainly going to this year.
Penn State and USC rushing totals are comparable. What is not comparable is the major difference between the QB play. Redd gives an even bigger boost to USC QBs while Penn State's take a major hit. Matt McGloin is the starter entering 2012 and will need all the help he can get now.
Penn State coach Bill O'Brien has been preaching his ability to get guys drafted and to the NFL, using his experience. USC coach Lane Kiffin also has NFL experience as Raiders head coach and is also an offensive mind like O'Brien.
Penn State could have been a 8-9 win team and likely are now a 6-7 win team.
Penn State running back Silas Redd has decided to transfer from Penn State to USC. Due to the sanctions against PSU, players who transfer are eligible to play immediately. Redd will likely be penciled in as the number one running back week one against Hawaii.
What does it mean for both USC and Penn State? Well we look into the issue...
Why it means for USC
Redd will have an immediate impact for the Trojans. USC was always going to win between 10 and 12 games in 2012. Redd helps assure that. USC finished 51st in total rushing last season, averaging 162.6 yards per game. They finished 15th in passing yards and 16th in points for (35.8). Redd will allow Barkley's numbers to increase even more with the legit threat of a running game.
Curtis McNeal was projected as the USC starter but will take a back seat to Redd. They will likely share carries, at least in the beginning, but Redd will ultimately carry most of the load. Redd averaged about 12 more yards per game than McNeal and over 200 yards for the season. Redd's rushing yards may not increase too much as USC will remain a pass-first offense, but his touchdowns will certainly increase from seven.
The addition of Redd means USC may have an easier time winning games. It does not necessarily give them more wins as they were always going to be favorites in most, if not all, their games.
Adding Redd, also takes some pressure off Heisman-hopeful QB Matt Barkley. Barkley threw for over 3500+ yards and 39 TDs in 2011. He had two 1000 yard receivers - Robert Woods and Marqise Lee.
Redd made the All-Big Ten Second team in 2011. Entering his junior season, Redd was projected, again as the second best running back (behind Montee Ball). In the PAC-12, Redd may very well be the top back in the conference.
With no bowl game or postseason for the immediate future, Redd jumps on the opportunity to not only play in a bowl game, but possibly in the National Championship game or Rose Bowl.
What it means to Penn State
This is a crushing blow to Penn State. We maintain, that Redd does not significantly increase USC's win total, but it does affect Penn State's win total.
Redd ran for 1241yards, and 7 TDs. Penn State averaged 19.3 points per game, 110th in country. They finished 96th in total passing yards. Penn State's two QBs combined for 10 TD passes, only three more than Redd ran for himself. Penn State had some miserable play from QBs Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. Redd, as a sophomore, was the focus point of the offense and was certainly going to this year.
Penn State and USC rushing totals are comparable. What is not comparable is the major difference between the QB play. Redd gives an even bigger boost to USC QBs while Penn State's take a major hit. Matt McGloin is the starter entering 2012 and will need all the help he can get now.
Penn State coach Bill O'Brien has been preaching his ability to get guys drafted and to the NFL, using his experience. USC coach Lane Kiffin also has NFL experience as Raiders head coach and is also an offensive mind like O'Brien.
Penn State could have been a 8-9 win team and likely are now a 6-7 win team.
No comments