Clay Helton, USC laud ability to finish strong after sluggish early quarters

During his time as USC’s coach, Clay Helton has preferred to use his public comments to spread a message of optimism. He does not use media reports as an opportunity to prod a player or his team.

So a day after USC’s 30-20 win over California, Helton chose to paint a bright picture.

“You’re very, very happy, again, when you see a team finishing in the fourth quarter,” Helton said on Sunday evening. “And that’s kind of been our hallmark right now.”

That is one way to look at USC’s first four games. The Trojans have outscored opponents 62-31 in the fourth quarter this season.

The problem is that USC has needed dominant closeouts in three of its four games to avoid upsets.

So should USC be pleased with its furious finishes? Or more concerned about the other three quarters?

Among the Trojans on Saturday, there was acknowledgment that they have not begun games playing at their peak. But there was also frustration that their 4-0 start and 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in the nation, were being discounted.

“That’s what championship football looks like,” offensive coordinator Tee Martin said. “None of them are going to be easy. You go to a Rose Bowl, you win a Rose Bowl, you’re not a secret anymore. So you’re gonna get everybody’s best.”

Troubles early did not appear against Cal alone, when USC pulled away only by scoring 17 points in a four-minute span in the fourth quarter. USC has let teams hang around in three of four contests.

Against Western Michigan, USC trailed in the third quarter, entered the fourth quarter tied and scored 28 points, more than half of the team’s total, in a five-minute span late in the fourth.

Against Stanford, well, “I liked that one,” Helton said. “I’d like to repeat that a couple times.”

But the following week against Texas, USC scored 20 of its 27 points as a half expired, or in overtime.

USC players tossed out theories for the sluggishness against Cal.

“I think early kickoff, 12:30, first road game,” defensive end Christian Rector said Saturday.

USC also had four starters out between the offense and defense.

Helton said USC’s early issues could be linked to failures to convert on third and fourth down. And that, he suggested, could be connected to USC’s running game.

“That’s our key to everything,” Helton said. “That sets up everything, and it needs to be consistent for us.”

Against Stanford, USC rushed for 307 yards. In USC’s three other games, it has averaged only 145 rushing yards, with corresponding declines in third- and fourth-down efficiency and points scored early in games.

Helton noted that USC’s next opponent, Washington State, punishes unfinished drives.

The Cougars are averaging 43.8 points per game, and Helton said they begin games as well as anyone in the conference. USC could not afford stalled drives or lots of field goals.

USC’s players, too, said they had to perform better than they did against Cal if they are to defeat Washington State.

“We have to,” safety Chris Hawkins said. “We know that. Everybody on the team knows that.”

Anthem situation is avoided

USC and its players will not face the decision of whether to kneel or stand for the national anthem before games during the regular season.

USC’s marching band plays the national anthem at home games while both teams are still in the locker room, as does every USC opponent during the regular season.

If USC reaches the Pac-12 championship game, the Trojans may need to make a decision. Last season, Washington and Colorado were present on the sideline for the anthem at the game at Levi’s Stadium.

Helton said he had not talked with the team about the protests that shook the NFL on Sunday, spurred by comments by President Trump, but Helton said he would at some point this season.

“I’m always supportive of being able for us to be able to voice our opinion, whether it’s young or old,” Helton said. “I think that’s the beauty of our country.”

Angeline quits

Cary Angeline, a redshirt freshman tight end, has quit the team, according to USC’s game notes.

A spokesman for USC did not provide further information.

Quick hits

Helton said the status of USC’s injured players, including running back Ronald Jones II (bruised thigh), receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. (groin), outside linebacker Porter Gustin (torn biceps and broken big toe) and defensive tackle Josh Fatu (ankle), had not changed. He said USC would have a better idea on Monday of their availability against Washington State. … USC stayed at No. 5 in the Associated Press top 25 but gained a small bump in overall votes.

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand