Trojans Go a Long Way With Soward

There’s the West Coast offense, and then there’s USC’s most effective offense: “Go deep, R. Jay.”

Sophomore R. Jay Soward has scored five of USC’s 12 touchdowns this season--four on long pass plays and one on a 95-yard kickoff return.

His average scoring play is an astounding 63 yards.

Soward saved USC against Nevada Las Vegas on Saturday with fourth-quarter touchdown receptions of 44 and 78 yards as the Trojans came from behind to beat UNLV, 35-21. Against California the week before, he scored on receptions of 33 and 65 yards.

Soward scored seven touchdowns as a freshman last season--including a 97-yard pass play against Illinois that is the longest in USC history. He also had a 78-yard touchdown catch during his career-high 260-yard receiving performance against UCLA.

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Tailback LaVale Woods is listed as doubtful for Saturday’s game at Arizona State because of a left ankle sprain. . . . USC’s consecutive victories over Cal and UNLV were the Trojans’ first in more than a year. USC won three in a row over Illinois, Oregon State and Houston in September of last season. . . . After holding UNLV to 25 yards rushing, USC ranks third in the nation in rushing defense behind Florida State and Florida, giving up an average of 47 yards a game. . . . The Trojans rank 97th in rushing offense with an average of 90 yards a game after a season-high 181 against the Rebels. . . . Billy Miller’s eight catches for 112 yards against UNLV marked his second 100-yard game of the season.

NEXT UP FOR USC

Who: Arizona State

Where: Sun Devil Stadium

Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: KLSX-FM (97.1)