Scott Shafer is part of Southern California history, to the ill will of the Trojans.

The third-year Syracuse defensive coordinator held the same position at Stanford in 2007 when the Cardinal pulled one of the biggest upsets in college football history, taking down the then-No. 2 Trojans in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, 24-23, and handing USC its first loss of the 2007 season.

It was Shafer’s defense that made the difference in the game, too. Stanford picked off USC quarterback John David Booty four times, returning one for a touchdown. Booty was intercepted twice in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter. The first set up Stanford’s game-winning drive on offense. The second sealed the one-point win. Syracuse graduate assistant Nick Sanchez also had one of the four interceptions in the game.

That Cardinal team went just 4-8, but the win still stands out because of the spread. Stanford was a 41-point underdog against the Trojans.

The Daily Orange talked to Shafer about his win with Stanford and how his current Syracuse defense is prepping for a different USC offense.

The Daily Orange: Have you talked to the SU defense about your win at USC while with Stanford?

Shafer: A little bit but not a whole lot. Different teams, different kids. But, you know, same atmosphere and that sort of thing, so we talked about that with especially the defensive backs. And Nick Sanchez being our GA, he played really good in that victory, had an interception, fumble, that sort of thing. So he talked to the kids for a little bit. But for the most part just trying to focus in on ourselves.

What have you seen from USC quarterback Matt Barkley, and what makes him such a good quarterback?

One, great weapons to throw to. I think that helps every good quarterback. But he does a good job of spotting the ball, putting the ball where it’s supposed to be thrown versus different coverage looks. Makes good decisions, seems like he gets out of bad plays and they protect him with a really good offensive line.

What will you have to do to contain Trojans wide receiver Robert Woods?

It starts with just focusing in on our technique. He is arguably one of the best, if not the best, wideout in the country right now. But a little scheme here, a little scheme there, change some things up, but for the most part just trying to control the controllables and focus in on what we can do well.

Why did you make the decision to put cornerback Keon Lyn on Woods Saturday?

He’s a long-armed kid, he can really run well. He’s been in big games even though some of them were in high school. I remember when he played Miami Central when he was at Miramar. Those are the two best teams in the state of Florida at 6A, and he played lights out. So we’re hoping he can bring that style of play, that big-game atmosphere and that challenge to put him on the best receiver.

How much will the defense miss defensive end Chandler Jones, and what have you seen this week in practice from his replacements?

I think all the (defensive ends) have done a nice job. Coach Daoust has got those kids ready to go. Yeah, we’re going to miss Chandler, he’s a good football player. But it’s a great opportunity for those kids to play in a beautiful venue and play against some of the best players in the country, and it will be a lot of fun.

mcooperj@syr.edu

 

Published on September 14, 2011 at 12:00 pm

Contact Mark: mcooperj@syr.edu | @mark_cooperjr