Five things we learned in USC's 38-30 victory over California

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USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor is mobbed by teammates after catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Cody Kessler (6) in the first half Thursday against Cal at the Coliseum. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor eludes Cal cornerback Cedric Dozier in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC quarterback Cody Kessler takes aim for wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor catches a pass for a 34-yard gain against California cornerback Cedric Dozier in the first quarter Thursday night at the Coliseum. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) is congratulated by teammates, including fellow receiver George Farmer (8), after a 34-yard reception in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC wide receiver JuJu Smith (9) and quarterback Cody Kessler (6) celebrate after Kessler threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to George Farmer (not pictured) against California on Thursday night. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans wide receiver JuJu Smith is brought down by Golden Bears defensive end Noah Westerfield inside the 10-yard line after an eight-yard catch in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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California quarterback Jared Goff is sacked by USC linebacker Su’a Cravens in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC linebacker Su’a Cravens (21) celebrates with linebacker Anthony Sarao after sacking California quarterback Jared Goff in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans Coach Steve Sarkisian gives defensive tackle Claude Pelon a pat on the shoulder after a defensive stop in the first half against Cal. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans wide receiver Nelson Agholor escapes the grasp of Golden Bears cornerback Cameron Walker in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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California Coach Sonny Dykes was none too happy with the officials after the Golden Bears were penalized for a personal foul in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC receiver Nelson Agholor leaps above California defenders to make a catch during their game at the Coliseum on Nov. 13. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans cornerback Adoree’ Jackson breaks the tackle attempt of Golden Bears cornerback Cameron Walker on a kick return. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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California safety Stefan McClure tries to tackle USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor after he made a reception in the first half. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Trojans quarterback Cody Kessler questions an offensive pass interference penalty in the fourth quarter. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC Coach Steve Sarkisian applauds the effort of the Trojans against California late in the fourth quarter. USC beat California, 38-30. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson loses his footing as he tries to tackle California wide receiver Trevor Davis in the fourth quarter. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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USC receiver JuJu Smith spends a solemn moment in the end zone with teammates after their 38-30 victory over California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

By Lindsey Thiry

Nov. 14, 2014 11:38 AM PT

USC defeated California, 38-30, on Thursday night at the Coliseum. Here are five things we learned in the Trojans’ victory.

USC can finish the season strong

The Trojans’ season is salvageable despite three losses.

The Trojans have won two consecutive games since a last-second defeat at Utah. They can make it four in a row with victories over rivals UCLA and Notre Dame.

The Trojans dominated Cal in the first half, scoring on three of their first four possessions. The defense did not allow a touchdown until midway through the second quarter.

It was arguably USC’s best half of the season.

If the Trojans can play like that the entire game they can win both rivalry games.

USC struggles in the fourth quarter

The only way the Trojans can defeat UCLA and Notre Dame is if they finally correct the problems that have led to struggles in close games.

The Trojans led, 31-9, at halftime Thursday night before they were outscored, 21-7, in the second half.

There was an all-too-familiar feeling on the field in the final minutes: Cal had a chance to come back and shock the Trojans.

UCLA and Notre Dame are better opponents than Cal and will capitalize on USC’s inability to finish strong.

Unless the Trojans fix it.

Nelson Agholor is worthy of postseason award consideration

Receiver Nelson Agholor should be a leading candidate for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the top receiver in college football.

Agholor caught a career-high 16 passes for 216 yards and two touchdowns against Cal.

He was one catch away from tying the school record set by Robert Woods in 2011.

It was Agholor’s fourth consecutive game with more than 100 yards receiving.

He has 82 receptions for 1,079 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

George Farmer is an option

Receiver George Farmer has the ability to beat defenders deep.

Wait – we already knew that. But Farmer’s speed appeared to be a new discovery for the coaching staff Thursday night.

He caught two passes for 40 yards and a touchdown.

Farmer showed a burst on his diving end zone catch.

Penalties persist

USC has a penalty problem.

The Trojans were called for 14 penalties for 159 yards against Cal.

Coach Steve Sarkisian said he would not address the officiating after the game for fear of a fine from the Pac-12.

But whether officials are throwing an excessive number flags, USC has been consistently more penalized than its opponents.

The Trojans have drawn 92 penalties, opponents 64.

Questions about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond in a weekly USC Now mailbag.

Five things we learned in USC’s 38-30 victory over California

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