Tailback Justin Davis gives a solid effort in USC’s loss at Oregon

On a day when USC’s defense fell apart against Oregon’s high-powered attack, tailback Justin Davis provided a bright spot for the Trojans.

Davis rushed for a career-best 141 yards in USC’s 48-28 loss Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

“It feels good, but … it didn’t really mean anything since we got the loss,” he said.

Davis, who had 16 carries, gained 105 yards in the second half.

On one play in the first half, Davis kept his legs moving and pulled a pile of defenders more than 10 yards, with the help of offensive linemen pushing and pulling him along, for a 24-yard gain.

“I had a great O-line,” he said. “They’re smart enough to keep pushing.”

Freshman Ronald Jones II had 56 yards in 14 carries, including a 12-yard touchdown.

Adoree’ Jackson scores

Adoree’ Jackson returned a punt for a touchdown for the first time in his career, adding to a resume that includes touchdowns scored on a pass reception, interception and kickoff return.

Jackson’s 41-yard return on a ball that was kicked from the end zone pulled the Trojans to within 10 points late in the third quarter.

“We had great blocks by everybody on the front line and it just gave me a lot of room to make a play,” he said.

Chris Hawkins makes play

USC safety Chris Hawkins stopped Oregon on the Ducks’ first possession by intercepting quarterback Vernon Adams’ pass in the end zone.

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USC defensive end Greg Townsend Jr. (93) rests on the sideline during the second half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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USC quarterback Cody Kessler fumbles the ball as he is sacked by defensive back Arrion Springs in the seocnd half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon wide receiver Charles Nelson snags a touchdown against USC cornerback Iman Marshall in the second half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. injures his ankle as he is tackled by linebacker Anthony Sarao in the second half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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USC running back Ronald Jones II finishes off a 12-yard touchdown run against Oregon in the second half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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USC linebacker Olajuwon Tucker (34) celebrates after sacking Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) during the second half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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USC quarterback Cody Kessler (6) delivers a pass from the pocket against Oregon in the first half last Saturday.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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USC running back Justin Davis tries to avoid the tackle of Oregon linebacker Danny Mattingly in the first half Saturday.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington is brought down by a USC defender in the first half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster receives treatment for an ankle injury during the first half. We played through the pain.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington (7) scores a touchdown against USC in the first half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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USC running back Justin Davis (22) is stopped by the Oregon defense in the first half Saturday.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) looks to pass against USC during the first half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

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Oregon running back Kani Benoit celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against USC in the first half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon defensive back Arrion Springs tries to intercept a pass he broke up intended for USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in the first half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon wide receiver Bralon Addison is all alone as he heads toward the end zone against USC in the first half.

  (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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Oregon cornerback Ugo Amadi (14) breaks up a pass intended for USC wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) in the first half.

  (Ryan Kang / Associated Press)

It was Hawkins’ second interception this season.

Hawkins, a sophomore, also made three tackles.

Tyler Petite catches touchdown pass

USC freshman tight end Tyler Petite caught his first touchdown pass.

Petite caught a 12-yard pass from Cody Kessler early in the second quarter to tie the score, 14-14.

“There were some opportunities throughout the season, but I think especially in that magnitude of a game, it was really good for me,” he said. “Granted, it didn’t really go the way that we wanted it to but at the time it was play that my team needed. ... That’s all I can ask for.”

Petite also had a six-yard catch. He has 13 receptions this season.

Getting a start

Sophomore linebacker Olajuwon Tucker and sophomore offensive lineman Chris Brown started for the first time.

Tucker started in place of injured Cameron Smith. He made a team-best nine tackles, including 2 ½ for loss.

Brown started in place of Viane Talamaivao. The line helped the Trojans rush for 186 yards, but Kessler was sacked five times.

Kessler completed 30 of 41 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns.

Steven Mitchell Jr. caught seven passes, De’Quan Hampton six. Both were career bests.

Quick hits

The Trojans were penalized 12 times for 124 yards. ... Kicker Alex Wood did not play because he did not pass concussion-clearance protocol, a USC spokesman said. Sophomore Matt Boermeester handled kickoffs and extra points. ... USC went on the field carrying the flags of the United States and France. The Trojans also wore helmet stickers of the two flags. ... Tailback Tre Madden, safety Leon McQuay and Talamaivao made the trip but did not play.