USC at Boston College: How they match up

USC has won all four of its football games against Boston College, including a 35-7 decision at the Coliseum last season. Staff writer Gary Klein examines the story lines and matchups:

Looking East

USC has fared well in trips East in the last 10 years.

The Trojans defeated Virginia Tech, 24-13, at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., in the 2004 season opener en route to an unbeaten record and national title.

USC routed Virginia, 52-7, in the 2008 opener at Charlottesville, Va.

Two years ago, the Trojans defeated Syracuse, 42-29, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

The Trojans last lost an East Coast game in 1996 when Penn State defeated the Trojans, 24-7, in the Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

USC won at Boston College, 34-7, in 1988.

Rushing toward respect

USC tailback Javorius Allen is averaging 143.5 yards rushing per game, which ranks 15th in major college football. Last week against Stanford, the junior gained a career-best 154 yards in 23 carries.

That probably doesn’t bode well for a Boston College defense that allowed Pittsburgh’s James Conner to rush for 214 yards last week. It was the first time since 1999 a back rushed for 200 yards against the Eagles.

USC sophomore Justin Davis is averaging only 2.5 yards per carry but he scored the Trojans’ only touchdown in last week’s 13-10 victory over Stanford.

Tre Madden remains sidelined because of a toe injury. Coach Steve Sarkisian has said he is hopeful that the junior will return for the Sept. 27 game against Oregon State.

Tyler Rouse and Myles Willis each have rushed for a touchdown for Boston College. They run behind a line that features five of the Eagles’ 15 graduate players.

At the controls

USC quarterback Cody Kessler has not committed a turnover. He has completed 68% of his passes, four for touchdowns, and is ranked 18th nationally in passing efficiency.

Kessler passed for a career-best 394 yards and four touchdowns in the opener against Fresno State. Last week against Stanford, he completed 15 of 22 passes, including several key third-down completions.

Boston College quarterback Tyler Murphy, a graduate Florida transfer, has completed 52% of his attempts. He has passed for two touchdowns, with three passes intercepted. He also has rushed for 210 yards and two touchdowns.

Man in the middle

Sophomore linebacker Michael Hutchings will start for the first time in place of senior Hayes Pullard, who is suspended for the first half because he was penalized for targeting against Stanford.

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams said the Trojans had confidence in the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Hutchings.

“The team lets him know we count on him and we trust him,” Williams said. “He is pretty confident and we let him know he can handle it.”

Hutchings intercepted a pass against Fresno State and had one tackle against Stanford.

Freshman Olajuwon Tucker also will rotate in at the position.

Flagging effort

USC has won two games despite averaging 9.5 penalties per game. The Trojans committed 10 penalties for 87 yards against Stanford.

Boston College averages five penalties.

In remembrance

Boston College players will wear uniforms accessorized with a red-bandanna design in honor of the late Welles Crowther, a former Boston College lacrosse player who was wearing a red bandanna when he helped save lives in New York on Sept. 11, 2001.

Boston College players will wear helmets and other apparel, and coaches will wear shirts with the red bandanna pattern and trim. Boston College also is distributing 6,000 red bandannas to the student section.