USC football: Third-down efficiency must improve

Ed Orgeron knows the numbers, or at least what they reflect.

The Trojans have converted only 29 of 105 third-down opportunities, a 28% success rate that ranks 116th among 123 major-college programs.

A week after converting only two of 13 third downs in a 14-10 loss at Notre Dame, the Trojans made only three of 15 in a 19-3 victory over Utah.

Orgeron said pass protection and decision-making by quarterback Cody Kessler needed to improve.

Kessler agreed. The third-year sophomore also said the Trojans need to finish drives.

USC has scored only one touchdown in each of the last two games.

The Trojans defeated Utah with the help of four field goals.

“Some of those drives, we’ll go 70 yards and get down to the 20-yard line and get stopped,” Kessler said. “We really need to focus on getting six points instead of three.”

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