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

USC defeated Arizona, 38-30, on Saturday at the Coliseum. Here are five things we learned from the victory:

Freshman tailback takes over

Ronald Jones II rushed for 177 yards in 19 carries, including a 74-yard touchdown run.

He set a new freshman single-game rushing record, which was previously held by LenDale White in 2003, when White rushed for 140 yards in a single game.

Jones also caught a five-yard pass for a touchdown -- the first touchdown reception of his career.

Jones has rushed for a team-best 710 yards and six touchdowns in 89 carries and is averaging eight yards per carry.

Fifth-year senior steps up

It’s been a quiet season for Antwaun Woods, but the nose tackle played with a burst against Arizona and did more than just plug the middle.

1/13

USC quarterback Cody Kessler connects with receiver Juju Smith-Schuster for a 72-yard touchdown pass against Arizona during a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

2/13

USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster sprints past Arizona defender Paul Magloire Jr. for a 72-yard touchdown on a long catch and run during the second quarter of Saturday’s game.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

3/13

USC running back Ronald Jones II slips a tackle from Arizona safety Demitrius Flannigan-Fowles during the second quarter of a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

4/13

USC running back Justin Davis rushes to the end zone as quarterback Cody Kessler signals touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Trojans’ 38-30 victory over the Wildcats last Satuday.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

5/13

USC linebacker Su’a Cravens causes Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon to fumble during the fourth quarter of the Trojans’ 38-30 win over the Wildcats last Saturday.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

6/13

USC safety John Plattenburg intercepts a pass in front of Arizona receiver Josh Kern during second quarter of a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

7/13

USC running back Justin Davis stiff-arms Arizona linebacker DaVonte Neal during the second half of the Trojans’ 38-30 win over the Wildcats.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

8/13

USC linebacker Su’a Cravens tries in vain to bring down Arizona quarterback Anu Solomon during first half of a game Nov. 7 at the Coliseum.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

9/13

Arizona receiver Cayleb Jones hauls in a touchdown pass over USC cornerback Adoree Jackson late in the fourth quarter of a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

10/13

USC tailback Justin Davis jumps past Arizona tacklers during the second quarter of a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

11/13

USC quarterback Cody Kessler is hit by Arizona linebacker Jake Matthews as he attempts a pass during the second quarter of a game at the Coliseum on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

12/13

USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson looks on as Arizona receiver David Richards (4) celebrates after catching a three-yard touchdown pass during the second quarter of a game on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

13/13

USC fullback Soma Vainuku celebrates with his teammates after tackling Arizona’s Nate Phillips on a punt return during the first half of a game on Nov. 7.

  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Woods made three tackles for losses, including two sacks — both on third down.

Before Saturday’s game, Woods had only one tackle for a loss and no sacks.

Front seven dominates

USC held Arizona to a season-low 60 rushing yards and the Wildcats averaged just 1.9 yards per carry.

USC made 10 tackles for losses, including six sacks.

Su’a Cravens made 1.5 sacks and Porter Gustin also made one.

Claude Pelon, Scott Felix and Rasheem Green also made it to the quarterback.

Fourth-quarter points

USC has been held to seven or fewer points against Pac-12 opponents in the fourth quarter this season.

But the Trojans scored 21 points late in the game against Arizona — a season high for the fourth quarter.

Justin Davis scored twice on a nine-yard and 16-yard carry and Jones rushed for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Secondary makes game-turning plays

The secondary allowed Anu Solomon to pass for 352 yards and three touchdowns.

However, USC intercepted a pass that resulted in a touchdown for a third consecutive game.

John Plattenburg intercepted Solomon at USC’s six-yard line and returned it 22 yards in the second quarter.

On the next play, Cody Kessler completed a 72-yard pass to JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown, which brought USC within four points of Arizona, 14-10, after a slow start.

USC has made seven interceptions in three games.

Adoree’ Jackson made an interception at California and returned it for a touchdown. Kevon Seymour also intercepted a pass.

Cameron Smith intercepted three passes against Utah and returned one for a touchdown. Cravens also made an interception against the Utes.

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