Helium Boys: USC improved in loss to Penn State? Maryland preview and Trevino homecoming

Peristyle Podcast - USC Trojan Football Discussion

Shotgun Spratling and Chris Trevino are back behind the microphones for another episode of the Helium Boys Podcast, a serious non-serious USC football podcast. The Helium Boys return to break down USC's heartbreaking 33-30 overtime loss to No. 4 Penn State as a potential turn-the-season-around win eluded the Trojans in another tight game. Shotgun and Chris also look forward to USC's upcoming matchup and a final cross-country road trip this weekend as the Trojans take on struggling Maryland, the alma mater of one Chris Trevino.

The episode opens with the Helium Boys staple 'Two-Minute Drill' where Chris spends half of his time on his initial thoughts of the Penn State game before dedicating his final minute to what Maryland football meant to him growing up and how it helped lead him to this point in his life where he gets to cover a USC-Maryland football game. Shotgun then takes the 'Two-Minute Drill' reins to again talk about the inconsistency of Big Ten officiating and discusses why he's bullish on the Trojans' chances to go on a run in the second half of the season.

Chris and Shotgun then dive into their Stock Up/Stock Down segment looking at the players and themes that saw their stock rise or dip over the last week. A couple of bounce-back performances earned Quinten Joyner and Jaylin Smith spots on the Stock Up side. The young defensive depth is also on the rise as Devan Thompkins got his first career start and led the team with four pressures while Desman Stephens II's fourth-ever snap with the first team saw him intercept Drew Allar and return it 42 yards. On the flip side, the Trojans' pass rush struggles and inability to defend Tyler Warren are featured prominently in the Stock Down portion.

The Helium Boys then preview the upcoming road trip to Chris Trevino Country for the Trojans, taking a look at the key storyline, player and matchup before positing scenarios that would cause USC to win and scenarios that would cause USC to lose Saturday afternoon's game. There are a couple consensus picks among the podcasting duo as both are looking for Miller Moss to have a big impact and are keeping a watchful eye on the Trojans' pass rush against a porous Terrapin offensive line.

After a break, the podcast duo answer your mailbag questions discussing all manner of items from the USC coaching staff's preparedness, Big Ten officials, what next season holds and learning how to win close games. The episode concludes with a role reversal as Shotgun quizzes Trevino with some Take It or Leave Its about the Trojans, including if Eric Gentry can continue to lead the team in some defensive categories even if he doesn't return this season. Shotgun then puts Chris through the Overtime ringer with Maryland-related Take It or Leave Its.

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