Learning from losses key to USC’s hot streak

As USC’s game against Washington hurtled closer last week, USC’s players privately discussed its magnitude.

At least two, safety Chris Hawkins and linebacker Michael Hutchings, decided that it would be the most important game of their careers.

“But we can’t think that way,” Hawkins said.

What didn’t need to be said was how that lesson had been imprinted. About two months prior, Hawkins had stood chastened on USC’s practice field as he explained how USC had been embarrassed by Alabama, how the Trojans had treated it as bigger than just one game. Hawkins had been one of the players who had broken with USC’s normal pregame tradition to instead crawl out of the tunnel like dogs on a leash.

It was one example, USC Coach Clay Helton said at the time, of how the team was “overexcited.”

“He just said be the same person you are every day,” Hawkins said then.

National spectators who had tuned out USC after the 52-6 opening-day loss and a 1-3 start, only to discover the Trojans riding a six-game winning streak and toppling the No. 4 team in the nation, have wondered: How can this be the same team?

“I think the team learned from that game,” cornerback Adoree’ Jackson said. “We know it’s all about adversity and there will be ups and downs throughout the game, but we have to make sure more ups than downs. I think having those games that we lost are a great testimony to this.”

The difference, players and coaches said, began in practice. Exuberance was replaced by steadiness. Gradually, the team’s preparation began to reflect Helton: unglamorous and unemotional but unafraid.

“I’ll be honest with you, the last six weeks have been the same thing every week,” Helton said. “I just think the kids focus on the preparation at hand and the preparation for this moment for this game. No matter who the opponent is.”

Most coaches and players took pains to downplay the meaning of the game. Asked if it was the most important game of his career thus far, Helton said only that it was “the next one.”

But USC knew it had grown since the ignominious start led pundits to question Helton’s job security. The Trojans always had superior athletes. But it had taken time to translate that into production. By last week, they had. Helton took time to marvel at the explosiveness of a young defensive line that had been a constant source of worry for USC early in the season.

After USC’s 26-13 win, Washington Coach Chris Petersen spoke with awe of USC’s talent.

“That’s a big, physical defense,” Petersen said.

The game represented both catharsis and frustration — playing at this level, USC probably would not have lost to Stanford and Utah. If not for those losses, USC would be in the playoff conversation.

Helton said he does not entertain such thoughts.

“I think there’s a natural progression for each and every team,” Helton said. “Do I wish we would’ve won every game? Yes, of course. But the fact of the matter is we were 1-3.

“The goal was to be playing our best football by the time we hit November. And I can honestly say we’re at that point. And we’ve got to keep it going.”

The victory was not enjoyed any less. Helton said he would remember it for a lifetime, “that’s for dang sure.”

And players were happy to put to rest any lingering questions about Helton’s job security.

“These coaches, we truly love them,” receiver Darreus Rogers said. “And if we want them to be here and have this job, it’s up to us to perform the way we know how to perform.”

Some players called it the best victory of their careers. Rogers said it ranked only behind USC’s 2013 upset of No. 5 Stanford.

But the biggest change from the start of the season, one player said, was that this time USC expected to win.

“I’m not going to say that I’m surprised we won,” tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe said. “I don’t think anybody is.”

Davis’ working back

Helton indicated that running back Justin Davis, who played in a support role on Saturday, was easing back from a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for about a month.

“Any time that you’re coming off a major ankle sprain like he had, there’s a trust factor that you’ve got to get accustomed to,” Helton said. “He’s probably getting close to 100%, but also that trust factor, to be able to put all his weight on that ankle and be able to violently cut like he normally does.”

Quick hits

USC’s game on Saturday against UCLA will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and air on ESPN. … The Trojans climbed from unranked to No. 15 in the Associated Press top 25. Washington fell from No. 4 to No. 7. The next College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed Tuesday. … Defensive tackle Josh Fatu suffered a sprained ankle during Saturday’s game. His was USC’s only injury.

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand