Trojans Trap the Bears, 30 – 3

Now that was Trojan football!!!

This total domination of CAL was a total team effort that keeps USC in contention for the Pac-10 crown and much more during this crucial October run. It’s wise not to bet against Pete Carroll and the Trojans when it comes to a big game. And they got the job done again.

Grades for your reading pleasure:

Offense

QB – The education of Matt Barkley continued as he put in another solid effort on the road. Passing for 283 yards on 20 – 35 attempts were only a part of the story. Helping SC convert 3rd downs with down-field passes shows Barkley’s increasing confidence and skill. He did have one INT that led to a CAL field goal, but took care of the ball in all other situations. Grade: B

RBs/FB – Joe McKnight stepped up big time with a 20 carry for 119 yard effort with (2) TDs. Allen Bradford also chipped in 53 yards on 12 carries. FB Stanley Havili contributed with a long reception for 56 yards. Grade: B +

WRs/TEs – It was the Damian Williams show once again, as he pulled in 8 rec. for 101 yards. Brice Butler and David Ausberry hauled in a couple of catches apiece. The TEs contributed some big plays, not only combining for 4 catches for 66 yards, but also blocking very well in the running game and down-field. Grade: B

OLine – Another very solid effort for the big uglies upfront. They led SC to 174 yards on four yards a pop on the ground. And they only gave up one sack against a very good CAL front (7). Grade: B

Defense

DLine – Another nice game from the Dline. They controlled the line of scrimmage from start to finish. DE Everson Griffen is playing consistent football, garnering (4) tackles and a sack. This group helped hold CAL to only 86 yards rushing. Grade: B +

LBs – The LB unit combined for (17) tackles, (2.5) TFLs and (2) sacks – a superb game. MLB Chris Galippo broke up three passes, and substitute OLB Shane Horton was very active with (7) tackles. Grade: A minus

DBs – Taylor Mays' INT in the end zone to stop a CAL TD on the Bears' first possession set the tone for the game. He also made (10) tackles, including quite a few at the line of scrimmage on CAL RBs. CBs Josh Pinkard and Kevin Thomas chipped in with a combined (7) tackles. Grade: A minus


Special Teams

Kicking/Coverage/Returns – After a rocky start, the special teams unit finally looked special. FG kicker Jordan Congdon went 3 for 3 on FGs, and punter Jake Harfman averaged 40 yards per punt with good hang time to help the coverage team. But the dagger came from PR Damian Williams with the spectacular 66 yard punt return for a TD. Grade: A

Coaching

The coaching staff is starting to put it together. Offensively, SC is starting to look cohesive and comfortable in its play-calling. Red zone offense, however, needs improvement as SC settled for FGs on 3 of its 4 trips in that area. Defensively, it was the status quo – great stoppage of the opponents’ run game, and pressure on the passer to make passing difficult. The extra focus on avoiding penalties also paid off as SC only had (5) for the game. Grade: B

Prediction Winner:

JMW does it again!

Fellas, a nurse from Carson, CA is killing us . . . what’s going on here?!