WSU versus USC Predictions and Pregame Discussions

[forevershockerfan]

Here's the deal. Let's talk turkey. USC is now 3-0 and play one more game before our game with them. Last Season was a tough go for them but they return most everybody led by Jordan McLaughlin and Elijah Stewart. The Trojan's are one of the tallest teams we will play this Season and Nikola Jovanovic averaged around 12 points and 7 rebounds last Season.

The b-zillion dollar question is whether FVV will be back and healthy yet. The Shocks have been flat so far and lack having the fizz we normally have with a healthy Fred. Another concern is how we will rebound in this game IMO. Even so, I will roll the dice and predict a Shocker win.

Shockers from 21st. and Hillside--72

City of Troy-------------------------68

[KC Shox]

USC brings all 5 of last year's starters back. FVV still will be hobbled and this game will end just like Tulsa's. We lose 67-77.

[SB Shock]

The b-zillion dollar question is whether FVV will be back and healthy yet.

Marshall comments indicate he definitely out for the USC game.

[FlyingWheat]

I predict I will be way too nervous and eat a little extra turkey to compensate.

69-64 good guys.

[Onegreatracer]

66-64 shox

[Dan]

There was a point in the ESU game where we played really smooth, aggressive style Shocker basketball. It was the 2nd part of the 1st half. I don't recall what we were doing different at that point, or who was in the game, but I'm hoping for more of that. I can only think that 3G used the ESU game to further tinker with lineups and player combinations. We "should" beat USC, but I'm not optimistic considering our personnel situation and inconsistent play. I'll predict a loss here

USC: 68
WSU: 62

[Dave Stalwart]

I never expected this team to struggle prior to the season, but injuries happen and you have to deal with it.

If Fred is really out, and this is what our team looks like without Fred, I don't have any reason to predict a win other than the outside chance that something new takes place that we haven't seen yet. Until I start seeing some players emerge in a way we can trust, I'm just going to watch the games and try to enjoy myself.

I have no doubt our team WILL BE fine, but as of this moment, I've got little to go on.

Although, there is that one constant: Gregg Marshall

[WuDrWu]

Marshall comments indicate he definitely out for the USC game.

Where is this quote?

If Fred is out for USC then I hope he sits and enjoys the weather all weekend in Florida.

[ShockerFever]

Where is this quote?

It's a grammatically-challenged SB quote. It should be trusted.


With that said, USC is gonna be a tough one. There needs to be serious upgrade in gameplay over the next week or we're gonna get busted. The defense is nowhere where it needs to be. The offense is lost at times. And rebounding is shaky. Those are three pretty big problems.

Not expecting a positive outcome on Thursday, considering all of the factors against us.

[shoxlax]

The most positive optimist in me sees us going 2-1.

The pessimist in me has a complete meltdown happening.

All this being if Fred doesn't play.

Oh and I miss Coach Forbes.

[shockerfan]

Where is this quote?

If Fred is out for USC then I hope he sits and enjoys the weather all weekend in Florida.

“He’s shut down for awhile,” WSU coach Gregg Marshall said. “I don’t know how long that’s going to be. I’m just going to wait until they tell me he’s absolutely ready to go"

“We know he’s probably not going to get a lot of playing time in Orlando, so we’ve been working on our team without him,” Shockers guard Ron Baker said. “We know some guys are going to have to step up"

http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article45780450.html

Nothing definitive though. So we can always hope

[Play Angry]

I think we can will our way to a scrappy win in this one. USC plays maybe the fastest tempo of any team we will see this year, so getting back on defense and the battle for control of pace will be key. They will want a shootout with lots of possessions.

Lynn Marshall 75
Amanda Marcum 73

[shockerfan]

Don't really like this matchup without Fred. Too early for the freshmen I think. Also, others haven't stepped up from last year yet. I think we are still learning roles and identities. Hate to say it:

USC - 83
WSU - 72

[Aargh]

“He’s shut down for awhile,” WSU coach Gregg Marshall said. “I don’t know how long that’s going to be. I’m just going to wait until they tell me he’s absolutely ready to go"

“We know he’s probably not going to get a lot of playing time in Orlando, so we’ve been working on our team without him,” Shockers guard Ron Baker said. “We know some guys are going to have to step up"

http://www.kansas.com/sports/college/wichita-state/article45780450.html

Nothing definitive though. So we can always hope

I added the two words that were missing from Baker's quote. Baker said they knew some guys were going to have to step up, not that two guys would step up.

[shockerfan]

I added the two words that were missing from Baker's quote. Baker said they knew some guys were going to have to step up, not that two guys would step up.

I already fixed the quote right before you posted. Thanks though